Ryan Callinan climbs rankings after quarter-final exit at Tahiti

The Merewether surfer lost to Brazilian three-time world champion Gabriel Medina 18.96 to 15.94 in the last eight in ideal conditions at the famous Teahupo'o break, which offered eight to 10 foot barrels for finals day.

Callinan had the better of an exchange about nine minutes into the 35-minute heat, earning 8.17 to Medina's 8.0, for a slightly longer barrel.

Medina, though, shot out of a long, deep ride for a 9.23 to take control heading into the last 10 minutes. Callinan needed a 9.07 to get back in front but came up with a 7.77 on only other ride.

Medina stood tall in a monster tube with two minutes left to snare a 9.73 and ice the win.

The effort at the sixth stop on tour was the second-best points grab of Callinan's season, behind his semi-final run at Sunset Beach.

Earlier, Callinan dominated Hawaiian Barron Mamiya 16.8 to 8.74 to set up the clash with Medina.

Callinan shot out with the spit on two barrels for scores of 7.5 and 9.3 to easily win the round of 16 tussle in epic condition at Teahupo'o.

Thriving on his forehand, the goofy-footer needed only the two waves, catching the first 11 minutes into the 35-minute heat. He then disappeared again in an even bigger barrel at the halfway point for the 9.3.

Mamiya wiped out for a 1.67 before a 7.07 tube just after Callinan's best ride.

Medina, another goofy-footer, earlier posted a near-perfect 19.83 to beat Jake Marshall.