Brazilian Gabriel Medina and American Caitlin Simmers made history Tuesday, Nov. 3, by winning the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Philippines Pro titles at Cloud 9 in Siargao.
Medina claimed the men's crown after defeating Australia's Jack Robinson with a combined score of 16.93 points against 14.50.
The Brazilian, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, outperformed Robinson to secure the first men's championship of the Philippine leg.
In the women's final, world No. 6 Simmers of the United States defeated Australia's Isabella Nichols, 12.00-10.77, to become the event's first women's champion.
Robinson and Nichols settled for runner-up honors following the finals, capping an exciting showdown at one of the Philippines' premier surfing destinations.
Filipino pride showcase talent
Meanwhile, Filipino bets John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso both advanced to the second round of the men's competition but failed to reach the quarterfinals.
Tokong, known as the “King of Cloud 9,” made history after becoming the first Filipino to win a Championship Tour heat, defeating Brazil's Samuel Pupo, 16.60-11.00, in the opening round. However, he bowed to Australia's Ethan Ewing, 14.50-11.54, in the second round.
Alciso also scored an opening-round upset, defeating reigning Olympic champion Kauli Vaast of France, 12.93-12.17. His campaign ended in the second round after losing to Japan's Kanoa Igarashi, 12.90-11.84.
Noah Arkfeld suffered an early exit after losing to Australia's George Pittar, 6.67-10.33.
15-year-old Filipina surfer Mara Lopez fell to reigning world No. 1 Molly Picklum of Australia, 11.50-4.50, in the women's opening round.
Despite their early exits, the Filipino surfers earned prize money and gained valuable experience competing against some of the world's best surfers.
The inaugural competition marked a historic milestone for professional surfing in the Philippines, with Medina and Simmers taking the first WSL Philippines Pro titles.
