WINNER: Jake Sylvester at the Surfest Pro Junior final
MEREWETHER surfer Jake Sylvester returned to form on Sunday to take out his second Surfest Pro Junior title.
The 20-year-old defeated 15-year-old American Kanoa Igarashi to claim the crown in half-to-one metre waves at Merewether beach.
Sylvester won this same event in 2011.
The natural footer saved his best ride for last, racking up the event's highest heat score with the 18.5 tallied in the final.
Coming into the event sitting in fifth place in the ASP Australasia junior men's rankings, Sylvester also went into the final with the event's highest individual wave score of 9.90, secured in the 32nd round.
His first-wave score in the final inked a 9.00 and was followed with a 9.50.
"It's awesome. I feel amazing," Sylvester said.
"Kicking off with that nine and then backing it up with another one was huge.
"I felt really comfortable towards the end with those two scores.
"It's so good to win at home in front of friends and family."
Sylvester pockets $2500 for his win.