- WSL / Will H-S
- WSL / Will H-S

The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup is only weeks away from creating history as the first ASP Qualifying Series event at Cloud 9. The event will be co-sanctioned by both the ASP and the Asian Surfing Championship (ASC), with surfers battling for precious ranking's points and prize money at one of the world's best waves.

While the event only carries a 1-Star rating and won't be attracting surf stars the way the 6-Star and Prime events do, this event is more about offering competitive experience for local surfers and giving some up-and-coming international surfers valuable competitive experience at a QS level.

Soli Bailey Byron Bay's Soli Bailey ducking for cover at the 2011 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. - WSL / Will H-S

“It's fantastic to be working with the ASC to help grow the sport of surfing throughout Asia,” ASP Australasia General Manager Dane Jordan said. “1-Star QS events are the ideal way to test your competitive skills and learn what it takes to fight through a draw of talented surfers. Not to mention have the chance to surf one of the world's best waves with just three other surfers in the water.”

Coolangatta's 16-year-old young gun, Quinn Bruce is one of Australia's most exciting up-and-coming talents. Bruce works hard to perfect his skills at Snapper Rocks, the training grounds of some of the world's best surfers — Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.

“I haven't been to Cloud 9 before and I can't wait to check the place out,” Bruce said. “I've heard it's a perfect right hand barrel with a section at the end of it which is what every natural footer dreams of. I think living at Snapper and being a natural footer could be an advantage for me. There's quite a huge difference surfing at QS events compared to the Juniors — in Junior events average scores are no worries, but in QS events it's much harder to get a good score, plus you're coming up against bigger and more experienced guys which can sometimes be intimidating. I haven't been told anything negative about the place yet so I'm sure it's going to be a magical trip.”

Oney Anwar Indonesia's Oney Anwar on his way to a runner-up finish at the 2011 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. - WSL / Will H-S

Dede Suryana (IND) is one of Indonesia's favorite surfing sons, and is a threat in any and all conditions. Coming off an equal 3rd place finish at last year's Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, Suryana is hungry to go one better and make the final this time around.

"I can't wait again to get back there,” Suryana said. “It's such a good wave and it's a righthander. I love rights and especially barrels! I hope for more barrels again this year. Last year I finished in equal third place. So, this year I need to be in the final! I'm coming Cloud 9!"

The 2014 Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup will run from 24 - 28 September 2014 and boasts a US$15,000 prize purse. It will be run in conjunction with the Philippines Surfing Federation.

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