MANILA – World No. 1 Brazilian Yago Dora and Australian sensation Molly Picklum head the elite cast in the World Surf League (WSL) Philippines Pro Championship Tour set Oct. 30-Nov. 8 at Cloud 9 Siargao.
Joining Dora from the famed Brazilian Storm are former world champions Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo and Miguel Pupo.
Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti, Japan’s Olympic medalist Kanoa Igarashi and American standout Tyler Wright are also competing in the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The women’s division comprises Australian sensation Molly Picklum, Americans Caroline Marks and Lake Peterson, Canadian rising star Erin Brooks, and Hawaiian power-surfer Gabriela Bryan.
“This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing and the CT will usher the sport into a new era. Let it inspire a new generation of athletes. Let the world discover not just our waves, but the vision, ambition, and heart of the Filipino people,’’ PSC chairman John Patrick Gregorio said in a news release Friday.
Filipinos John Mark “Marama’’ Tokong, Jayuard Alciso and Mara Lopez are among the 40 surfers (24 men and 16 women) participating in. the event supported by Pagcor, Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Tourism and Events Infrastructure and Safety Administration, and National Electrification Administration in partnership with SIARELCO.
Surigao del Norte Gov. Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Doc Minmin Sajulga stood at the forefront of preparations, guiding every step with vision and commitment. (Jean Malanum/PNA)
