Indonesia’s Bronson Meydi and Australia’s Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie ruled the World Surf League (WSL) QS6000 in Siargao after eight days of competition off Cloud 9.
Meydi, 20, the reigning WSL world junior champion, scored 15.33 points in the men’s final to edge Australia’s Ben Loretson, who had 14.70.
‘I can’t believe it. That was a crazy final,’ said Meydi. ‘The waves went slow and just in my favor, so it was lucky. I’m stoked to get an 8.8 on that one.’
Mackenzie, 16, scored 12.73 points to defeat fellow Australian Isla Huppatz (11.60) in the women’s final. She averaged 11.09 in heat scores and 3.43 in wave scores throughout the tournament.
‘I just tried to enjoy surfing Cloud 9 with no one else out,’ Mackenzie said. ‘Isla is one of my best mates and she ripped, so I knew I had to bring my best surfing.’
Meydi outlasted a field of strong Australian contenders, beating Dane Henry in the quarterfinals, 16.17-15.03, and Harley Walters in the semifinals, 16.57-13.40, before clinching the title against Loretson. Loretson advanced by defeating Tom Whitpaine, 16.50-12.13.
The Sumbawa native averaged 14.16 in heat scores from the round of 64 and picked up 6,000 points for the win.
‘Every time I win, it’s in the Philippines. I love this place,’ Meydi said.
The WSL tour next heads to Baler from November 17 to 23, then to La Union from January 11 to 16 and 20 to 26.