Coco Ho of Sunset Beach captured the first major victory of her young career, winning the Rip Curl Women's Pro Search contest today in Portugal.

The final day of the event was run in 2- to 3-foot waves at Belgas, Peniche, Portugal.

Ho, who is 18 and a rookie on the ASP Women's World Tour, won four heats today, including wins over two former world champions.

She beat 2004 world champ Sofia Mulanovich of Peru in the quarterfinals, then beat 2005 world champ Chelsea Hedges of Australia in the final.

"I knew Chelsea (Hedges) would be dangerous on the left after seeing her this morning getting those barrels," Ho said. "This afternoon it turned into a more rippable wave and it was hard on the forehand, but I was lucky to get the waves I did."

Ho received $12,000 for the victory and moved up to No. 3 on the 2009 ASP Women's World Tour. She is the daughter of standout North Shore surfer Michael Ho.

The contest was the fourth of seven stops on the 2009 tour, so Ho still has an outside shot at the world title. Australia's Stephanie Gilmore is currently No. 1, and Brazil's Silvana Lima is No. 2.

Melanie Bartels of Wai'anae was eliminated in the quarterfinals and is ranked No. 5 overall.