Callum Robson scores a perfect 10

Australia’s Callum Robson kept his nerve to pull off the first perfect 10-point ride of the World Surf League championship season at the last moment.

Facing an early exit from Rip Curl Pro Portugal, 22-year-old Robson needed a big result in the closing minutes of his elimination round against Brazilian Gabriel Medina and Frenchman Maxime Huscenot on Sunday at Supertubos Beach.

As a huge wave appeared he launched into a deep drop, barely making the bottom turn and then disappearing from view before shooting out of the tube and pulling a 10 from the judges to progress.

“It feels really good, especially at a moment when I needed it the most,” Robson said. “I was so happy, I clapped so hard my hands got sore.”

The men’s elimination round competition in Peniche was suspended while organizers waited for the massive swell to subside and the tide to turn.

Later in the day, Robson also came through his round of 32 game with compatriot Liam O’Brien while a number of big names were eliminated.

Former world champions Kelly Slater and John John Florence were eliminated, as were world No. 2 Brazilian Felipe Toledo and Italy No. 4 Leonardo Fioravanti.

Two rounds of the last 32 remain but five Australians, including Robson and leaders Jack Robinson, are through to the last 16.