Brazilian superstars Gabriel Medina and reigning world champion Yago Dora arranged a blockbuster semifinal showdown after winning their respective quarterfinal heats in the World Surf League (WSL) Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 in Siargao.
Three-time world champion Medina rallied to beat Australia’s George Pittar, 12.33-9.17, scoring a crucial 7.00 on an aerial maneuver with two minutes remaining to overturn the deficit.
Dora, meanwhile, dominated Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, 17.37-9.60, posting the tournament’s highest two-wave total with scores of 9.87 and 7.50.
The winner of their all-Brazilian semifinal will advance to the championship final.
Australia’s Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing will dispute the other semifinal slot in the title round. Robinson defeated Seth Moniz, 14.17-10.50, while Ewing eliminated two-time world champion Filipe Toledo, 17.17-14.93.
Pinoys bow out of contention
Meanwhile, Filipino wildcards John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso bowed out after losing to Ewing and Igarashi, respectively.
Tokong relished the opportunity to compete against Ewing, whom he considers one of his idols, while expressing pride in Siargao’s surfing community and its growing international recognition.
Alciso, an Asian Games bronze medalist, fell short of mounting a late comeback against Igarashi, who prevailed, 12.90, after building his score with two strong rides.
The Philippines Pro, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, marks the country’s first hosting of a WSL Championship Tour event, bringing 40 elite surfers to the famed Cloud 9 reef break.
The competition runs through November 10, showcasing Siargao’s world-class waves and strengthening the Philippines’ profile as an international surfing and sports tourism destination. Eliminated surfers are assured of US$13,000 (approximately ₱830,000), while the eventual champion will take home US$80,000 (around ₱5.1 million). – Ismael Amigo
