Wilson pipped by Zietz in WA surf final
Julian Wilson. (WSL)
Australia's Julian Wilson has been beaten at the death by America's Sebastian Zietz in the final of the World Surf League event in Western Australia.
Wilson led Saturday's final from the start before Zietz, competing as an injury replacement wildcard, landed a 8.30 ride with less than three minutes to go to snatch the lead.
The score was enough to lift Zietz to a two-wave total of 17.40 out of 20.
Wilson ended with 16.67 to fall less than a point short of victory.
It is Zietz's maiden tour event win and also the first time the Hawaiian has gone past the quarter-finals at an event.
Australia's Matt Wilkinson, who bowed out in the quarter-finals on Saturday, retains the rankings lead after his wins at the opening two events of the tour.
The championship heads away from Australia with the next event being the Rio Pro from May 10 in Brazil.
