In a rematch from their Final at the VIVO Rio Pro last year, Dora settled the score to take the win in Peniche.
“It’s always so hard surfing against Italo [Ferreira],” Dora said. “He always seems to do what he needs to find the win, but I’m so glad that I could find a way to win today. I need to thank God, he got me all the way to the Final and to this victory. I could feel something special was going to happen here this week, and it did.”
Dora shot up 11 places on the rankings to World No. 4. The 28-year-old recently brought on a new coach, and this was his first win since the 2023 VIVO Rio Pro.
“Change is always risky, but it feels so good when it all comes together,” Dora continued. “Everyone will talk about it, whether you’re right or wrong, but I’m glad I’m still the same, and I’m still going to do what I love to do.”
In the first Semifinal, Dora dominated the heat with his aerial antics to advance into the Final over last year’s event runner-up, Ethan Ewing (AUS). Ewing went excellent in his Quarterfinal matchup with Filipe Toledo (BRA) with a 9.17 (out of a possible 10) earned on a picture-perfect backhand barrel, but fell short in his matchup with Dora.
Ferreria seemed like the one to beat during the entire event. In the Round of 16, Ferreira boosted a massive full rotation for a 9.17 to advance to the Quarterfinals, where he defeated Rio Waida (INA). His momentum continued in the Semifinals against Lexus Pipe Pro winner Barron Mamiya (HAW).
“It was a long week, and I was really confident, but I made a few mistakes in the Final,” Ferreira admitted. “It’s always a pleasure to compete against Yago [Dora], congratulations to him. I love this place, I have a lot of good memories. We still have a long season ahead, so let’s keep it going on to the next one.”