Japanese surfers claimed victory across all categories at the WSL Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior event at Mamallapuram beach.
Japan swept top honors in every category at the World Surf League (WSL) Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior (JQS) event held at Mamallapuram beach on Saturday.
In the Open men's division, Ikko Watanabe posted the highest final score of the Shore Temple Classic with a 17.10 to edge past compatriot Tenshi Iwami by 0.33 points.
Mirai Ikeda captured the Open women's title with a score of 14.00, defeating Thailand's Isabel Higgs—the only non-Japanese competitor in action on the day—by 1.60 points. Ikeda's crown came after she finished fourth in the women's Pro Junior final.
Japan's victory run continued in the Pro Junior classes, where Yuma Nagasawa won the men's event with a score of 14.17, and Hinata Shimizu took the women's title with 14.23.
At the closing ceremony, which was attended by WSL Asia-Pacific (APAC) tour director Ty Sorati, Asian Surfing Federation and Surfing Federation of India president Arun Vasu hinted that two WSL events could be hosted next year, confirming the Andaman islands as a host venue for one.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.