Day 4 of the Hamamatsu Open featured the men's QS and LQS quarterfinals, with the final
four athletes in each division now confirmed.
Ikko Watanabe on Day 4 of the Hamamatsu Open - WSL / Y Kanai
In the men's QS, the competition shifted to man-on-man heats. In Heat 1, Shohei Kato (JPN)took control from the outset and defeated Indonesia's Ketut Agus, who had delivered a stunning comeback win in Round 16, to book his spot in the Semifinals.In Heat 3, local surfer Jushin Osakabe (JPN) from Hamamatsu read the shifting conditions expertly and posted key scores from the outside. His opponent, Ikko Watanabe (JPN), initially waited on the inside but shifted his position late in the heat to match Osakabe's location. That move proved decisive, as Watanabe rallied with a clutch ride in the final minutes to advance to the semifinals.
Kaisei Adachi at Hamamatsu Open - WSL / Y Kanai
In Heat 4, 17-year-old Kaisei Adachi (JPN) landed a stylish air reverse to overcome Kaito Kawamata (JPN) and claim the last semifinal spot. With these results, the men's QS semifinal matchups are now set: 18-year-old Watanabe will face Adachi, while 21-year-old Kato will go up against 24-year-old Yuji Nishi (JPN). It's a clear signal that the next generation of surfers is ready to take center stage.
Jomarie Ebueza at the Hamamatsu Open - WSL / Y Kanai
In the men's LQS, Roger Casogay of the Philippines led Heat 1 with a combined score of 11.10, highlighted by a 6.50 ride. Japan's Masaya Tsukamoto came from behind in the closing minutes, scoring a heat-best 6.83 to secure second place and a spot in the Semifinals. Heat 2 featured a multinational matchup, and it was the Philippines' Jomarie Ebueza who advanced with two consistent rides in the six-point range, demonstrating composure and control. Heat 3 saw a domestic faceoff, with Shohei Akimoto (JPN) and Shota Masuyama (JPN) both progressing. In Heat 4, Taka Inoue (JPN) who finished 13th on last year's World Longboard Tour, delivered the highest single-wave score of the event so far, posting a 7.33 to win the heat in dominant fashion.
All eyes now turn to the final day of the Hamamatsu Open. Champions will be crowned
across all divisions. The first call is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., with heats set to begin at 8:00 a.m local time.
Intense Quarterfinal Battles Set the Stage for Hamamatsu Open Finals
WSL
Day 4 of the Hamamatsu Open featured the men's QS and LQS quarterfinals, with the final four athletes in each division now confirmed.
In the men's QS, the competition shifted to man-on-man heats. In Heat 1, Shohei Kato (JPN)took control from the outset and defeated Indonesia's Ketut Agus, who had delivered a stunning comeback win in Round 16, to book his spot in the Semifinals.In Heat 3, local surfer Jushin Osakabe (JPN) from Hamamatsu read the shifting conditions expertly and posted key scores from the outside. His opponent, Ikko Watanabe (JPN), initially waited on the inside but shifted his position late in the heat to match Osakabe's location. That move proved decisive, as Watanabe rallied with a clutch ride in the final minutes to advance to the semifinals.
In Heat 4, 17-year-old Kaisei Adachi (JPN) landed a stylish air reverse to overcome Kaito Kawamata (JPN) and claim the last semifinal spot. With these results, the men's QS semifinal matchups are now set: 18-year-old Watanabe will face Adachi, while 21-year-old Kato will go up against 24-year-old Yuji Nishi (JPN). It's a clear signal that the next generation of surfers is ready to take center stage.
In the men's LQS, Roger Casogay of the Philippines led Heat 1 with a combined score of 11.10, highlighted by a 6.50 ride. Japan's Masaya Tsukamoto came from behind in the closing minutes, scoring a heat-best 6.83 to secure second place and a spot in the Semifinals. Heat 2 featured a multinational matchup, and it was the Philippines' Jomarie Ebueza who advanced with two consistent rides in the six-point range, demonstrating composure and control. Heat 3 saw a domestic faceoff, with Shohei Akimoto (JPN) and Shota Masuyama (JPN) both progressing. In Heat 4, Taka Inoue (JPN) who finished 13th on last year's World Longboard Tour, delivered the highest single-wave score of the event so far, posting a 7.33 to win the heat in dominant fashion.
All eyes now turn to the final day of the Hamamatsu Open. Champions will be crowned across all divisions. The first call is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., with heats set to begin at 8:00 a.m local time.
Asia
Kana Nakashio and Ikko Watanabe Win QS 2000 and Taka Inoue and Natsumi Taoka Win LQS Event
Local Heroes Advance, Top Seeds Fall, and Semifinal Lineups Take Shape Across All Divisions
Reo Inaba makes a strong comeback, while Hamamatsu's hometown heroes and rising women's contenders light up the QS 2000 stage.
Day 1 sees the Men's QS and LQS Opening Rounds take to the water
Check out all the highlights from the Final Day of competition at Cape Woolamai, Bass Coast Shire, Phillip Island. - Men Pro Jnr RD64,
News
Wind and swell shaping up for a great last couple days of the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST. Red and purple blobs showing bigger
Dave is joined once again by part-time co-host and WSL commentator Mitch Salazar to break down all the drama, triumph, and heartbreak from
The next batch of Championship Tour hopefuls are back and the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST Presented by Bonsoy is just heating up.
Opening day of the 2025 Challenger Series kicked off Championship Tour qualification dreams at the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST
A surge from now-WSL Europe competitor Noah Klapp stamped her authority with a 7.67 to seal a major debut heat win over higher-ranked