Matt Wilkinson and Sally Fitzgibbons were crowned Surfest champions for 2016 after taking out finals at Merewether Beach on Sunday.
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Men’s No.1 seed Wilkinson accounted for Italian young gun Leonardo Fioravanti in clean four-to-six foot waves.
The women’s decider saw Fitzgibbons defeat six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore.
Wilkinson’s drought-breaking title came after posting high scores of 9 and 8.83, giving Fioravanti (13.33) the challenge of a perfect 10 to catch him in the closing stages.
“I’m so stoked. I didn’t really realise how long it had been since I had won something,” the Central Coast surfer said.
“I’ve had a few seconds and thirds, but it definitely feels good to be on top.
“We had such good waves today it was awesome.”
Fitzgibbons kept her nose out in front for most of her 3
5-minute showdown with fellow countrywoman Gilmore and a total of 14.73 proved too good.
“This is so good – such a great start the year,” Fitzgibbons said.
“I’ve been coming to Newcastle for years now and it really does feel like a home away from home I’ve had a blast all week as well as preparing for Snapper.”
