- WSL / Liam Robertson
- WSL / Liam Robertson

Jordan Lawler has captured his second WSL Qualifying Series (QS) win of the year in massive waves at the Phillip Island Pro pres. by Bass Coast Shire today over 2018 Australia/Oceania Pro Junior Champion Te Kehukehu Butler.

Jordan Lawler Jordy Lawler threading a Woolamai tunnel. - WSL / Liam Robertson

With only the Semifinals and Final left in the Men's event, competition was shifted back to Cape Woolamai. The famous beach break showed its full potential with clean 6-foot surf providing competitors with powerful sections.

Lawler was dominant in the final locking in the highest single wave score of the event (9.80 out of a possible 10) with a huge air reverse and series of carves in the first minute of the heat.

"I'm so stoked," said an elated Lawler. "I knew that final was going to be really tough as Kehu was surfing so good all event. Everything just went my way at the start and I felt really comfortable surfing a left like that."

Jordan Lawler With this as his opening move of the Final Lawler never looked like losing. - WSL / Liam Robertson

Lawler has suffered from an injury-riddled last few years with 2018 being fully healthy all season.

"The few injuries I had have been hard to deal with, but I am just stoked to be back and surfing at my best again."

Jordy Lawler Jordy Lawler Chaired to victory at Cape Woolamai. - WSL / Liam Robertson

Opponent Kehu Butler made several charges at taking the lead during the final including some incredible hacks for an 8.50, however, was unable to better Lawler's two-wave total of 18.35 points. Butler finished the final on a heat total of 16.00 points.

"It was always a goal for me to get to the final, so I am stoked to be able to do it in such good waves. Jordy was absolutely ripping and doing some crazy airs which pushed me to my limits. I love coming down to Victoria, the waves are so fun and powerful. The people are really nice and relaxed, it reminds me a little bit of home."

Kehu Butler Kehu Butler finishing runner-up at the Phillip Island Pro. - WSL / Liam Robertson

Both Lawler and Butler faced tough challenges to make the final with top seed Morgan Cibilic and Sandon Whittaker both putting on strong displays in the Semi Finals.

The win for Jordy Lawler rockets him up 14 places on the WSL International Qualifying Series Rankings to 88th. Meanwhile Kehu Butler also makes a large jump of 93 places into 198th on the ratings.

Morgan Cibilic Morgan Cibilic moves to second spot on the Australia / Oceania QS rankings with a 3rd place finish at Phillip Island. - WSL / Liam Robertson
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