Australia's Adrian Buchan has lost a thrilling final of the Rio Pro surfing event to Brazil's 2015 world champion Adriano de Souza , going down 17.63 to 17.23.
De Souza got off to an early lead with two seven-point rides, forcing Buchan to seek out a 9.50 (out of a possible 10) in Saquarema.
The New South Welshman answered with a near-perfect 9.20, but still needed a second score to combat the Brazilian with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Under Buchan's priority, De Souza improved his situation with a critical 9.80 to increase his advantage.
Buchan hunted the line-up and made a final attempt, but the score fell just short of the 8.44 that was required, leaving the Brazilian with priority and the win.
"I've really enjoyed myself here in Saquarema," said Buchan, who has now moved up 12 places to 12th spot on the leaderboard.
"I think the surfing we've seen in the last 10 days has been incredible and has shown the world that Brazil has great waves and incredible surfers.
"Brazilians do beach culture better than everyone else. I am looking forward to coming back next year. It was really special to have a Final with Adriano [de Souza].
"He is an amazing role model for all the young Brazilian surfers and I just want to say a huge congratulations to him."
De Souza earlier beat Australia's Joel Parkinson in the quarter-finals before dispatching Brazilian wildcard Yoga Dora 17.97 to 11.97 to book his place in the decider.
The defeat ended a superb event for the 20-year-old Dora who beat Australia's Mick Fanning in the quarter-finals and 2015 world champ Garbriel Medina in the fifth round.
"It has been a while since I have stepped onto the podium," De Souza said.
"But, I have been working for so long to be here. I am so grateful for all the support, especially all the fans here in Brazil. You can count on me because I am back in the game."
Buchan saw off fellow Australian Matt Wilkinson in the semi-finals after beating world No.2 Jordy Smith in their last-eight heat.
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