Congrats to Taj Burrow! Photo: Kirstin.

Taj Burrow wins 2012 Cold Water Classic.

Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, has won the O’Neill Coldwater Classic, defeating fellow countryman Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 24, in pumping four-to-six foot (1-2 metre) waves at Steamer Lane.

Burrow quietly advanced through the opening rounds of competition, building momentum throughout the latter rounds while punctuating his efforts on the final day with an amazing variety of forehand maneuvers.

Burrow toppled young Brazilian Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, and goofy-footer Travis Logie (ZAF), 33, on the final day of action before besting Wilkinson for the win.

Burrow’s win marks his second of the season after snatching the season opening event on the Gold Coast of Australia and he now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT.