Filipino surfer John Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong defeated world No. 11 Samuel Pupo of Brazil to reach Round 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 on Sunday in Siargao.
Tokong scored 16.60 points on waves of 8.60 and 8.00, beating Pupo’s 11.00 in their opening-round heat.
‘It’s crazy and amazing. There was a lot of pressure, but I just told myself to relax, keep things simple and enjoy the waves,’ Tokaong.
The Philippines Pro is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with support from various national and local government agencies.
The champion will receive US$80,000 (around P5.1 million). Opening-round losers will each earn US$13,000 (around P830,000). The competition is livestreamed on One Sports’ YouTube channel and Cignal Play.
Big outing for Lopez
Meanwhile, 15-year-old national surfing champion Mara Lopez of La Union came up with a fine performance in a tough match against world No. 1 Molly Picklum.
PSC Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio said Lopez’s parents could not travel to Siargao because they could not afford the expenses. The WSL and PSC had hoped to bring them to watch their daughter compete but learned of their situation too late.
Despite the loss, Lopez was guaranteed US$13,000 as a wildcard competitor.
‘Sports is a great equalizer,’ Gregorio said, stressing the importance of giving young athletes, especially those from less privileged families, opportunities to compete at the highest level.