Surfing: Maz Quinn wins in Spain

New Zealand's number one surfer Maz Quinn has won the Ferrol Terra Pantin Classic in Spain overnight, overcoming an international field of surfers.

The win is Quinn's first in six years on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) and earned the Gisborne local US$7000 ($10,045.92) and 875 valuable ratings points.

The win will move Quinn up the world ratings from his 52nd placing . Quinn held three of the top 10 highest heat scores of the event.

Early signs were ominous for fellow competitors with Quinn posting 16.10 and 17.33 (out of a possible 20) in his quarter and semi final heats respectively.

During the final Quinn went on to score the second highest total heat score of the event -- 18.30 which comprised of a near perfect 9.8 and an 8.5.

Quinn notched up these two rides in the first 10 minutes of the 30 minute final leaving Australians Nic Mushcroft, Josh Kerr and Kai Otten unable to catch him.

"I'm so stoked to have this title. I came here five years ago and I was really happy to surf these waves again. We always get good waves at this period of the year and there it is again. It's been a mediocre year for me but I definitely aim to reach the WCT again soon," Quinn said.

"This afternoon was pretty good for me as from the quarters , to this final my two waves came each time on the beginning of the heats and I had control over my opponents, so it's just so good to win this."

Each year the top 16 surfers on the WQS qualify to compete on the World Championship Tour (WCT) alongside the best 44 surfers in the world including the likes of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons.

There are several key events remaining for Quinn to make the top 16 this year. These events will be held in Spain, USA, Brazil and Hawaii.

- NZPA