The World Surf League (WSL) World Junior Championships entered Day 2 with intense competition at Urbiztondo Beach, where the women’s Elimination Round saw the first eliminations of the event. Surf conditions were prime, with clean, two-to-three-foot waves setting the stage for high-level performances.
Sierra Kerr Dominates with Stellar Performance
Reigning WSL World Junior Champion Sierra Kerr (AUS) emerged as a standout, posting an impressive 8.33 out of 10 for a frontside air-reverse. Kerr executed the maneuver after paddling back out, hitting a closeout section and landing smoothly. This score, combined with a backup wave, gave her a two-wave total of 14.66 out of 20, the highest of the women’s event so far. Kerr defeated Philippine Wildcard Cathleya Casals (PHL), advancing to the next round with confidence.
“It was a great start,” Kerr said after the heat. “The wave I went for looked challenging, but I made the landing smoothly, and it gave me the momentum to keep going. The waves here are fun, and the locals are super welcoming. I’ve had some experience at the CT level, so it’s exciting to apply that here at the World Juniors.”
Sibling Rivalry Continues at Monaliza Point
In Heat 5 of the Elimination Round, Sophia Medina (BRA) faced Kohai Fierro (PYF), both hoping to follow in the footsteps of their siblings who had previously won WSL World Junior Titles. Medina’s frontside attack earned her a score of 9.33, narrowly edging out Fierro by 0.03 points. The heat was highly competitive, with the lead changing multiple times throughout.
“That was such a close heat,” Medina remarked. “The waves were slow, and anything could happen. I’m so happy that my high-scoring wave came through. Coming from Brazil, I’m used to beach breaks like these, which helped a lot. My experience on the Challenger Series last year also gave me a boost.”
Luana Silva and Ellie Harrison Make Strong Advances
Former Championship Tour (CT) surfer Luana Silva (BRA) found her rhythm at Urbiztondo Beach, overcoming Philippine Wildcard Mara Lopez (PHL) in Heat 3. Silva’s smooth frontside rail surfing was a perfect match for the long, peeling waves of Monaliza Point.
Australian Challenger Series competitor Ellie Harrison (AUS) also made a strong showing, posting a two-wave total of 13.07 to advance to the Round of 16. Harrison’s mix of power and precision earned her her first heat victory of the event.
“It was really fun out there,” Harrison said. “There were plenty of waves, and I just wanted to get started early. I’m working on my consistency and enjoying the process. It’s nice to see progress and have fun with the crew here.”
Rising Stars Shine on Day 2
Other surfers making an impact on Day 2 included Cocona Kawase (JPN), Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (Basque), and Rosie Smart (AUS). In Heat 4 of the Elimination Round, America’s Reid Van Wagoner (USA) put on an impressive performance, defeating Japan’s Anon Matsuoka (JPN) in a highly competitive match.
As the competition continues, the WSL World Junior Championships are showcasing the next generation of surfing talent, with exciting heats ahead and the world’s best junior surfers vying for the prestigious title.
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