The inaugural Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission opened at Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines, with defending 2024 World Champion Caity Simmers delivering an outstanding performance in the opening heat of the competition.
Facing fellow former World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Caroline Marks, Simmers produced an excellent 9.00-point ride out of a possible 10, combining a deep barrel with a powerful layback snap. She followed it with a 6.17 to finish with a two-wave total of 15.17, securing the heat victory over Marks, who finished on 9.00.
The opening day also featured a second heat victory for Portugal’s Yolanda Hopkins, who defeated World No. 3 Gabriela Bryan 10.10 to 7.00, securing her place in the Quarterfinals.
However, rising onshore winds brought proceedings to an early halt after just two heats. Competition is scheduled to resume on November 1, with the next call set for 6:30 a.m. local time at Cloud 9.
For Simmers, the opening performance provides an early statement at one of surfing’s most celebrated reef breaks as the Championship Tour arrives in the Philippines for the first time.
