Wright was on course to claim his first tour win of the season until a pivotal final exchange allowed 2017 runner-up Medina to snatch a 13.50 to 12.07 victory at Teahupo'o.

In a game of cat and mouse, the 28-year-old Australian - holding priority - dived into a wave to stop the world No.3 from scoring and improved his lead with a 5.57 carving run.

But Medina scored a ride on the next wave, threading a clutch 7.33-barrel to steal the title in the final two minutes.

Wright's runner-up finish lifted him from 11th to sixth in the WSL championship standings, while Medina moved above Australian Julian Wilson to world No.2 behind only compatriot Felipe Toledo.

Earlier, Wright defeated Toledo in the semi-finals after dominating countryman Wade Carmichael in their all-Australian quarter-final clash.

New South Welshman Wright was left to rue his wave selection after the crushing loss in the final.

"It all came down to those last two waves," Wright told World Surf League website.

"I made the wrong decision and I'm already feeling that deep burn and drive

"I'm stoked for Gabby, well-deserved win for him after it got taken off him by Julian (Wilson) just last year."

Medina threw his hand to the sky and bellowed in euphoria when the final scores were read out as Wright slapped the water in disappointment.

"Owen (Wright) had to go on the first one ... if he didn't I was going to go on that one," the 24-year-old said.

"Owen's got the same feeling I had last year, which was horrible for me, but it's competition and that's why we love competing."

The Australian controlled the majority of the 40-minute final after leading off with an impressive 6.50 tube of his own.

But the free-styling Brazilian bit back with an eye-catching nose-pick reverse to net him 6.17.

A pedestrian 3.93 ride took Medina into the lead but opened the door for Wilson to answer.

The Australian obliged under trying circumstances, staying on his board as his 4.20-worthy barrel collapsed around him.

It was enough to give him a narrow 0.60 lead with 13 minutes remaining.

Medina resorted to some attempted aerial acrobatics as the clock wound down but landed the late killer blow the more traditional way to snare his first title of the season and second at Tahiti.

Australian Associated Press