Gabriel Medina claimed his third WCT victory of the year last week by beating Kelly Slater in the final of the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

The world's highest-ranked surfers rode 10 to 15 foot waves on finals day, but it was the current ratings leader Medina who earned the title.

"I don't really know what to say," surfeuropemag.com quotes Medina as saying. "I'm so blessed to have these conditions at 'Chopes and surf against all these guys.

"This is such a special event and I'm just so happy right now. Kelly is a legend of surfing and it's the best feeling ever to win."

Medina, who won at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and Fiji Pro, has extended his lead in the world title race.