Dusty Payne, of Maui, beat Brazil’s Alejo Muniz in the fourth round of the Oakley Lowers Pro on Friday in San Clemente, Calif. Payne, who rejoined the championship tour this year, advances to the quarterfinals. 

The two championship tour surfers were neck-and-neck through the heat, but a crucial exchange in the final moments earned Payne a 9.07 for the series. Muniz, who is currently second on the qualifying series, earned an 8.3. 

“The last wave gave me three sections and I’ve never seen a left do that for me here before,” Payne said. “When I saw Alejo (Muniz) get his last wave, I knew I would need a 9 to get the win. I’m doing what I love to do and trying not to stress myself out. It doesn’t get any better than this, so I’m having a good time.”

The Oakley Lowers Pro pits a selection of championship tour elite surfers against an array of up-and-coming talent looking to break through to the world’s best.