By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Philmar Alipayo and 2019 champion John Mark Tokong showed the field how it’s done after leading the quarterfinalist cast in the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup Sunday, Oct. 16, at the iconic spot Cloud 9.
With waves conditions cooperating, the Siargao-based Alipayo turned to his vast experience to register a two-wave total of 14.55 in the Round of 16.
Tokong, who is also out to duplicate his feat two years back before pandemic halted the competition for two years, was not far behind by coming in at 14.40.
Another Filipino also advanced to the Final 8 with Robert Magaluna coming in second in his heat to post 13.20.
World Surfing League Asia Regional QS rankings leader Kian Martin of Sweden also booked a quarters berth with 11.05 and would be meeting Alipayo in the next round.
Japan’s Yuji Nishi and Joh Azuchi also barged into the next phase by topping their respective heats with 14.50 and 13.65 scores.
Another Japanese in Takuto Ohta also set up a duel with 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in shortboard event Oney Anwar of Indonesia after posting 13.25 and 14.75 scores in their respective heats.
In the distaff side, three Filipinas bannered by 2019 SEAG gold medalist in shortboard event Nilbie Blancada booked quarters tickets.
Blancada also displayed her experience at Cloud 9 by topping her heat with 15.50.
Maria Graciela Migullas and Dianne Nogalo scored 6.40 and 7.10.
Other female quarterfinalists were Australia’s Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie (6.40) and Japanese surfers Nanaho Tsuzuki (7.90), Sai Maniwa (9.65), Anon Matsuoka (9.25) and Sumomo Sato (8.65).
