Competition is off and running at the inaugural La Union International Pro with opening rounds of the men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 event being completed. Competitors were treated to super clean two foot surf on the Point at Urbiztondo Beach at La Union. The Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) event did not run on the opening day with more favourable conditions on the way.
Nilbie Blancada at La Union. - WSL / Tim Hain
It was a successful day of competition for the Indonesian contingent with 7 of the 8 male competitors progressing through the Round of 64 on the opening day at La Union. The standout of these surfers and of the entire first day was Bali based prodigy Bronson Meydi (IDN) who posted the highest men's heat total of the opening day. Meydi's 13.35 (out of a possible 20) came from a solid combination of fast rail carves and fins free manoeuvres.
"I had a serious cramp before I paddled out for that heat and was nervous I wouldn't be able to surf," Meydi said. "Once I stood up on my first wave I knew I was going to be okay which was a good feeling. I've been here a few times to this area but never surfed the point so it's been nice to try something different. I'm stoked to make it through that one and am looking forward to the next round."
Bronson Meydi at La Union. - WSL / Tim Hain
Other men's Round of 64 standouts included Japan's Hiroto Arai (JPN) as well as current Asia regional rankings leader and QS veteran Oney Anwar (IDN). Rinta Otoo (JPN) and Filipino competitor Philmar Alipayo (PHL) were also ones to watch on Day 1 of competition with Alipayo taking the win over good friend and event favourite John Mark Tokong (PHL).
The second half of Day 1 saw the opening round of the women's event run the first few heats with current Asia rankings leader Minami Nonaka (JPN) setting a high standard early, posting an impressive two wave combination of 13.75. Nonaka's performance was solid and a great indication as to why she is well on her way to Challenger Series qualification in 2023.
"I'm very excited to be here for the very first comp of the year," Nonaka said. "I really enjoyed the waves in my heat, getting a 7.50 was great, I'm so happy. I'm happy to be here in La Union, this place is really nice, and I'm hoping I can do well here in the event."
Minami Nonaka at La Union. - WSL / Tim Hain
A special mention must go to Sara Wakita (JPN) who posted an excellent 9.00 point ride in her opening heat of the event. Wakita's wave score was the highest of the event so far.
Event directors will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30 am local time to make another call on competition with the remaining heats of the women‘s Round of 32 likely to commence proceedings.
The 2023 La Union International Pro QS 3,000 and LQS 1,000 will run at The Point, Urbiztondo Beach in La Union, Philippines, from January 20 - 26.
Qualifying Series Off And Running at La Union International Pro
WSL
Competition is off and running at the inaugural La Union International Pro with opening rounds of the men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 event being completed. Competitors were treated to super clean two foot surf on the Point at Urbiztondo Beach at La Union. The Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) event did not run on the opening day with more favourable conditions on the way.
Nilbie Blancada at La Union. - WSL / Tim HainIt was a successful day of competition for the Indonesian contingent with 7 of the 8 male competitors progressing through the Round of 64 on the opening day at La Union. The standout of these surfers and of the entire first day was Bali based prodigy Bronson Meydi (IDN) who posted the highest men's heat total of the opening day. Meydi's 13.35 (out of a possible 20) came from a solid combination of fast rail carves and fins free manoeuvres.
"I had a serious cramp before I paddled out for that heat and was nervous I wouldn't be able to surf," Meydi said. "Once I stood up on my first wave I knew I was going to be okay which was a good feeling. I've been here a few times to this area but never surfed the point so it's been nice to try something different. I'm stoked to make it through that one and am looking forward to the next round."
Bronson Meydi at La Union. - WSL / Tim HainOther men's Round of 64 standouts included Japan's Hiroto Arai (JPN) as well as current Asia regional rankings leader and QS veteran Oney Anwar (IDN). Rinta Otoo (JPN) and Filipino competitor Philmar Alipayo (PHL) were also ones to watch on Day 1 of competition with Alipayo taking the win over good friend and event favourite John Mark Tokong (PHL).
The second half of Day 1 saw the opening round of the women's event run the first few heats with current Asia rankings leader Minami Nonaka (JPN) setting a high standard early, posting an impressive two wave combination of 13.75. Nonaka's performance was solid and a great indication as to why she is well on her way to Challenger Series qualification in 2023.
"I'm very excited to be here for the very first comp of the year," Nonaka said. "I really enjoyed the waves in my heat, getting a 7.50 was great, I'm so happy. I'm happy to be here in La Union, this place is really nice, and I'm hoping I can do well here in the event."
Minami Nonaka at La Union. - WSL / Tim HainA special mention must go to Sara Wakita (JPN) who posted an excellent 9.00 point ride in her opening heat of the event. Wakita's wave score was the highest of the event so far.
Event directors will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30 am local time to make another call on competition with the remaining heats of the women‘s Round of 32 likely to commence proceedings.
The 2023 La Union International Pro QS 3,000 and LQS 1,000 will run at The Point, Urbiztondo Beach in La Union, Philippines, from January 20 - 26.
Asia
Victories Provide Australia / Oceania Region QS Titles to Both Winners, Winter Vincent and Saffi Vette Qualify for Challenger Series With
Asia Region Challenger Series Qualifiers Confirmed, while Defending Champion Bronte Macaulay Stands Strong and Dream Run for Riaru Ito Sees
Brothers Joel and Hughie Vaughan Deliver Mind-Blowing Airshow, while Back-to-Back Buzzer-Beaters See Local Wildcards Progress in Subsequent
Big Turns Garner Big Numbers for Coral Durant and Sarah Baum, While Power and Precision Provide Progression for Ryan Slattery
Oceanna Rogers Opens With Devastating Form, While Two Big Hits is All it Takes for Tayla Green and Filipino Junior Noah Arkfeld Scores His
News
The Big Wave season is leveling up the stakes beyond just the Jaws and Nazaré events. The WSL Big Wave Record Chase will reward surfers
Check out some highlights from a brief day of competition in dreadful weather at the Caparica Surf Fest.
Surfers Battle Elements for a Shot at Challenger Series Qualification, Competition Called OFF Tomorrow, Next Call Friday, March 29, 2024 at
New partnerships with World Surf League, Street League Skateboarding and Pro Breaking Tour - built on shared values and respect - embody
Women's World No. 1, Molly Picklum, goes down to rookie Sawyer Lindblad shortly after a three-peat is denied to Tyler Wright from the young