Tokong stuns Pupo, advances to round 2

CEBU, Philippines — Filipino surfer John Mark “Marama” Tokong gave the home crowd a reason to celebrate on Sunday after stunning world No. 11 Brazilian surfer Samuel Pupo to advance to Round 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9.

Tokong posted a combined score of 16.60, built on waves worth 8.60 and 8 points, to defeat Pupo, who managed 11 points in their opening-round heat.

Surfing in front of family, friends and a large Filipino crowd, Tokong admitted there was pressure competing at home but said he focused on staying relaxed and enjoying the conditions.

“It’s crazy and amazing. There was a lot of pressure, but I just told myself to relax, keep things simple and enjoy the waves,” Tokong said.

He said hearing supporters cheer from the shoreline after each ride made the experience even more meaningful.

“I’m not doing this just for myself, but also for my family, friends, fans and especially the Philippines. Representing my country is very important to me,” he said.

With six-to-eight-foot waves rolling through the famed Cloud 9 break, Tokong advanced to the next round, keeping local hopes alive in the country’s biggest surfing event.

Meanwhile, Philippine women’s pro bet Mara Lopez, a 15-year-old wildcard from La Union, fell short against reigning world No. 1 Molly Picklum in Round 1, Heat 5, but earned the admiration of the Australian star.

Lopez scored 4.50 points on rides worth 2.50 and 2 points, while Picklum secured the victory with scores of 5.33 and 6.17 for a total of 11.50.

Despite the result, Picklum expressed confidence in the future of Philippine surfing after praising the young Filipina’s talent and potential. Beyond the competition, Picklum said she was touched after learning she may have helped inspire Lopez to take up the sport.

“Maybe I’m one of her inspirations. And that stuff to me is just so special,” Picklum said.

The Australian star also praised Lopez’s talent and highlighted her accomplishments outside shortboard competition.

“I said to her, you’re surfing so well. And she’s also an A-one longboarder,” Picklum said.

Picklum believes Lopez has the potential to become an inspiration for aspiring surfers in the Philippines.

“Either way, she’s going to inspire the next generation, which is just so cool,” she added.

The world No. 1 also spoke highly of Siargao’s surfing culture, noting the island’s tight-knit and passionate surfing community.

“Siargao is such a small island and they have such a strong surfing community. So that was really cool,” Picklum said.

For Lopez, competing against one of the sport’s biggest stars provided valuable experience and a confidence boost as she continues her development on the international stage.

Surfers eliminated in the opening round will receive US$13,000 (around P830,000), while the event champion will take home US$80,000 (approximately P5.1 million).