Caitlin Simmers and Gabriel Medina captured the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, in the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 on Tuesday.
Simmers, the American world No. 6, defeated Australia’s Isabella Nichols, 12.00-10.77, in the women’s final to become the first-ever women’s champion of the Philippine leg.
The American secured her place in the championship round after overcoming world No. 2 Carissa Moore in the semifinals.
Moore’s campaign ended after she was handed an Interference Penalty 2, which erased the wave where the violation occurred and her second scoring wave.
Nichols advanced to the final after defeating fellow Australian Tyler Wright in the other semifinal but ultimately fell short against Simmers in the title match.
The prestigious competition is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with the support of Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga, and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga.
(C) PSC
In the men’s final, Brazilian world No. 4 Gabriel Medina defeated Australian Jack Robinson to claim the inaugural men’s crown, posting 16.93 points against Robinson’s 14.50.
Medina built his winning total with a 9.43 on his opening wave and a 7.50 on his second. Robinson, ranked No. 12 in the world, posted an 8.23 and a 6.27 but had to settle for runner-up honors.
Before reaching the final, Medina eliminated world No. 1 Yago Dora in the semifinals, while Robinson booked his place in the championship round by defeating fellow Australian Ethan Ewing.
Medina and Simmers will each receive US$80,000 for winning the men’s and women’s titles, respectively, while runners-up Robinson and Nichols will take home US$40,000 apiece.
Dora, Ewing, Moore, and Wright, who finished third in their respective divisions, will each pocket US$20,000.
Meanwhile, Filipino bets John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso will each receive US$14,000, while Noah Arkfeld will take home US$13,000. Young Filipina surfer Mara Lopez, meanwhile, will receive US$13,500.
Also supporting the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and NEA/SIARELCO.
Fans can watch the competition through the One Sports YouTube channel and Cignal Play.
