Homegrown Surfers Challenge World-Ranked Opponents at Cloud 9
John Mark Tokong and Jayuard Alciso ended their WSL Philippines Pro campaigns after reaching Round 2 at Cloud 9. Both Filipino wildcards recorded opening victories against world-ranked opponents before losing their next heats during the historic home event.
Tokong Falls to Ewing After Historic Opening Victory
John Mark “Marama” Tokong bowed out after Australian world No. 7 Ethan Ewing defeated him 14.50 to 11.54. The Siargao native finished 2.96 points behind Ewing during their Round 2 matchup at the renowned Cloud 9 break.
Tokong entered the heat after defeating Brazil’s Samuel Pupo 16.60 to 11.00 during his Championship Tour debut. He built that winning total from 8.60 and 8.00 rides, becoming the first Filipino reported to win a Championship Tour heat.
Image from: ABS-CBN
Filipino Reflects on Ewing Matchup at Cloud 9
Tokong said changing wind conditions affected the second heat after he felt comfortable with his earlier performance against Pupo. He attempted additional waves and aerial maneuvers against Ewing but acknowledged that he could not successfully complete those attempts.
“I was really happy with my performance in that heat. I felt relaxed and just focused on choosing the right waves. But the conditions yesterday and today were different. The wind picked up, and I tried to stay busy, catch more waves and go for aerials, but unfortunately, I couldn’t land them,” Tokong said.
Alciso Finishes 1.06 Points Behind Kanoa Igarashi
Jayuard Alciso also exited in Round 2 after Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi defeated the Filipino wildcard 12.90 to 11.84. Alciso attempted a late comeback and received 4.17 points on his final wave before the 30-minute heat expired.
Igarashi established his winning total with consecutive scoring rides worth 6.67 and 6.23 points during their Cloud 9 matchup. Alciso consequently finished only 1.06 points behind the Japanese star after previously producing an opening-round upset of his own.
Alciso Defeats Olympic Champion Before Round 2 Exit
Alciso reached Round 2 by defeating Paris Olympic champion Kauli Vaast 12.93 to 12.17 during their opening matchup. The Filipino scored 7.33 and 5.60 on his counting rides, overcoming the French surfer by a 0.76-point margin.
Asian Games Rivals Alciso and Igarashi Meet Again
The Cloud 9 encounter reunited Alciso and Igarashi after both surfers earned medals at the recent Asian Games competition. Igarashi captured the Asian Games championship, while Alciso earned bronze before their subsequent Championship Tour meeting in Siargao.
Following their Philippines Pro matchup, Igarashi praised Alciso’s ability and referenced the Filipino’s performance during their previous international competition. His comments provided a firsthand assessment after Alciso challenged him to within 1.06 points during their elimination heat.
“He’s such an amazing surfer. I was competing with him in the Asian Games last month and he’s such an amazing talent and he had such a good heat yesterday,” said Igarashi.
Tokong Highlights Siargao’s Local Surfing Community
Tokong also reflected on Siargao’s growth as an international surfing destination and credited its waves and community for attracting visitors. He expressed hope that cooperation among residents and businesses would continue as the island receives greater international attention.
“This island is so beautiful. Before, back then, all the travelers here, I was a surfer, and now there are so many people who know this place because of the waves, the island and especially the community here in Siargao. It’s so special, and this is why I love our island because the community is so good. The business community here on the island is really like we’re helping each other, and this is how important it is for me. I just wish that we’re going to keep going like this,” added Tokong.
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Ewing Reaches Semifinals After Eliminating Tokong
Ewing continued his tournament run by defeating former world champion Filipe Toledo 17.17 to 14.93 during their quarterfinal matchup. Australian Jack Robinson then eliminated Ewing 16.63 to 16.00 in a closely contested semifinal before reaching the championship heat.
Igarashi advanced from his victory over Alciso but lost 17.37 to 9.60 against world No. 1 Yago Dora. Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina ultimately defeated Robinson 16.93 to 14.50 to capture the inaugural men’s Philippines Pro championship.
Medina Becomes Inaugural Men’s Philippines Pro Champion
Medina produced scoring rides worth 9.43 and 7.50 during the championship heat against Robinson at Cloud 9. His victory made the Brazilian the inaugural men’s winner during the first Championship Tour event staged in the Philippines.
Filipino Wildcards Earn $14,000 From Philippines Pro
Tokong and Alciso each earned US$14,000 following their Round 2 appearances during the inaugural Championship Tour event in Siargao. Their campaigns included victories over Pupo and Vaast before Ewing and Igarashi ended their respective runs at Cloud 9.
Medina received US$80,000 after winning the men’s championship, while Robinson earned US$40,000 as the runner-up. Ewing and Dora collected US$20,000 each after finishing third following their respective semifinal eliminations.
Philippines Hosts First Championship Tour Event
The Philippine Sports Commission presented the competition with support from Surigao del Norte and General Luna government officials. Other supporting organizations included PAGCOR, DOT, DPWH, TIEZA, and NEA/SIARELCO during the historic Championship Tour stop.
Industry Analysis: Tokong and Alciso Make Wildcards Count
Tokong and Alciso converted wildcard entries into Round 2 appearances after defeating established international opponents during their opening heats. Tokong beat Pupo by 5.60 points, while Alciso edged reigning Olympic champion Vaast by 0.76 points at Cloud 9.
Their elimination margins were also measurable, with Tokong finishing 2.96 points behind Ewing and Alciso trailing Igarashi by 1.06. Ewing eventually reached the semifinals, while Igarashi advanced to the quarterfinals before both ended their respective tournament campaigns.
Source Note: Competition results and Philippine sports reporting provide verified heat scores, tournament progression, athlete quotations, and prize-money information. Event coverage and official partners provide historical context surrounding the Philippines’ inaugural Championship Tour competition at Cloud 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who eliminated John Mark Tokong from the Philippines Pro?
Australian Ethan Ewing eliminated Tokong 14.50 to 11.54 during their Round 2 matchup at Cloud 9 in Siargao.
Who eliminated Jayuard Alciso from the Philippines Pro?
Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi defeated Alciso 12.90 to 11.84, ending the Filipino wildcard’s tournament run during Round 2.
Who did Tokong and Alciso defeat in the opening round?
Tokong defeated Samuel Pupo 16.60–11.00, while Alciso eliminated Olympic champion Kauli Vaast 12.93–12.17 during their opening heats.
How much did Tokong and Alciso earn at the Philippines Pro?
Tokong and Alciso each received US$14,000 after reaching Round 2 during the inaugural Championship Tour competition in Siargao.
Who won the men’s WSL Philippines Pro?
Brazil’s Gabriel Medina defeated Australia’s Jack Robinson 16.93 to 14.50 to capture the inaugural men’s Philippines Pro championship.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
