Tongan, Michael Burling of Gisbourne won the 2009 Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour on Saturday March 28 at Port Waikato, New Zealand.

It was not an easy victory for Michael who went into the final round, trailing at third place.

But after winning the event Michael said that he had a tough year and he wasn't even going to compete in the tour this year, "but I did the first event and the competitive side of me came out and I couldn't resist and yeah, here I am at the top of the ratings.

"What stood out for me this year was simply never giving up in events, competing until the end and giving it my all," said Michael. He recognised the classy performance of the other two competitors, Daniel Procter and Thomas Kibblewhite but "I am just stoked to come out beating them."

The Open Men's Final: winner Michael Burling, Gisborne; Owen Barnes, Mount Manganui, second; Thomas Kibblewhite, Auckland, third; and Kelly Ryan, Gisborne in fourth place.

Michael is the son of Steve and Sesika Burling of Ha'atafu Beach, Tongatapu. He graduated from the Auckland University School of Medicine last December and is now working as a junior doctor in Gisborne, New Zealand.