Australian surfer Josh Kerr has finished third equal at the Pro France after an impressive barrel in the semifinal proved not enough to overcome eventual winner Hawaii's John John Florence.
After working his way up through the draw, Kerr caused a major upset in the fifth round on Saturday, when he took out world championship tour frontrunner Brazilian Gabriel Medina.
But Florence took a quick lead in Sunday's semifinal, putting together more than a combined 10 points before the Australian had a single wave in the shifting 2.5 to three metre barrels.
Kerr eventually scored 6.83 when he caught a clean tube, but Florence came back with an eight-point ride to widen the gap and eventually take the heat.
However, the NSW world No.13 said he was satisfied with his semifinal finish, which left him tied for third with South Africa's Jordy Smith.
"I always knew John (Florence) was going to be a tough opponent out there," Kerr said.
"He's been in rhythm with the ocean all event. When everyone else is struggling, he's out there dropping 10s.
"I got one good wave, but that was about it. Semifinals feels good though. Breaks the curse somewhat in France for me so that's good."
Florence went on to face Brazil's Jadson Andre in the final, claiming his second tour victory of his career with committed barrel rides as well as power surfing.
The next stop on the tour is in Portugal from October 12 - 23.
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