Brazil's Gabriel Medina pulled off a stunning backflip to score a perfect 10 during the second round of heats at the Rio Pro on Saturday.

The 2014 World Surf League champion posted 19.4 from his best two waves to easily eliminate compatriot Alex Ribeiro, who managed only 7.9 at Postinho beach.

It is understood to be the first time the maneuver has been successfully performed during a World Surf League competition.

"The pressure that was on me has been diminished," the 22-year-old said. "I'm more relaxed and that's what I need to be at my best. I hope this can start a good run of results."

After becoming the first Brazilian world champion in 2014, Medina had mixed results last year before a strong finish earned him third place in the overall standings. He is 18th after three rounds of the current tour.

Medina has been drawn against another countryman, Deivid Silva, in the third stage of heats on Sunday.

Rio Pro results - Round 2 heats

1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.00 v Bino Lopes (BRA) 4.96

2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.50 v Deivid Silva (BRA) 14.73

3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.34 v Dusty Payne (HAW) 13.93

4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.40 v Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 7,90

5: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.77 v Jack Freestone (AUS) 14,57

6: Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.66 v Matt Banting (AUS) 14,76

7: Sebastian Zietz (HAV) 14.33 v Keanu Asing (HAW) 11,86

8: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 10.73 v Jadson Andre (BRA) 10.67

9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.73 v Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.30

10: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 11.44 v Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 14.17

11: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.27 v Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 15.33

12: Conner Coffin (USA) 11.74 v Michel Bourez (TAH) 13.50