Jordy finally beats Hawaiian bogey

In the heaviest qualification event of the year, South Africa's Jordy Smith won the Vans World Cup on Sunday, his first-ever win in Hawaii.

Undeniably the most on-point athlete at the big wave venue, Smith, the world No 3, overtook a stacked final at North Shore that included Frederico Morais, Torrey Meister and Tanner Gudauskas.

"Unbelievable, can't believe it," said Smith. "I feel like this event has eluded me in the past. I didn't have any expectations, I think that was the difference for this event. I just kind of went out there with an open mind."

A qualifying series 10 000 rated event, the Vans World Cup marks Smith's second competitive victory this year after his Championship Tour win at the Hurley Pro at Trestles in September. But a win in Hawaii has eluded him since he began competing professionally.

"Early in my career I made a couple of finals out here, I really had something going with the place," continued Smith. "I don't know, it's been like six or seven years where I just couldn't do a thing right. And then, everything just came together this year so I'm just really happy."