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Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina has the chance to snare his maiden Margaret River Pro crown after powering his way into the final of the World Surf League event.
Medina beat fellow Brazilians Filipe Toledo and Joao Chianca on Friday morning in the four-to-six foot conditions to secure a spot in the decider.
John John Florence was widely tipped to meet Medina in the final but he was upset by American Griffin Colapinto in their semi-final showdown.
Not only was Florence beaten, he ended up combo'd - meaning not even a 10-point ride would have been enough to thrust him into the lead.
Colapinto pulled off two huge rides to post a two-wave total of 17.50, with Florence left stranded on 11.27 points.
Medina had never even reached the semi-finals of the Margaret River Pro before this year, but he now has the chance to go all the way.
The hopes of Australian duo Ethan Ewing and Connor O'Leary were ended at the quarter-final stage.
Queenslander Ewing, who won the Bells Beach crown earlier this month, was outpointed by Florence 14.83 to 11.23, while O'Leary was blown out of the water by world No.1 Chianca 11.24 to 5.50.
"It's really frustrating," O'Leary told the WSL broadcast.
"Quarters is great but I've had three now in a row and I want to go further.
"It's a bummer, but I'm knocking on the door and hopefully I'll push through."
Chianca was on track to reach the final before Medina pulled off some late heroics in their last-four battle.
Medina trailed Chianca by 4.67 with just 75 seconds remaining before pulling off a 6.50 ride to seal a spot in the decider.
Kelly Slater and Johanne Defay were among the big names to miss the mid-season cut after dropping out early at Margaret River but they have been awarded wildcards for the remainder of the 2023 Championship Tour, as well as a full card for the 2024 season.
Miguel Pupo and Brisa Hennessy were awarded wildcards for the 2024 campaign.
