6 May 2015, Siargao Island, Philippines: The 8 quarterfinalists were decided today in solid 4-5 foot pumping Cloud 9 on the second day of the 8th annual Siargao International Women’s Cup presented by Volcom, Skullcandy and Silangan, setting up for a big day tomorrow as they are now into the money rounds and heading for the whopping $3,000 USD first place paycheck.
The blistering morning sun highlighted the new swell that was pushing through to the delight of the crowd and some but not all of the surfers! In the first heat of the day it was Australia’s Philippa Anderson, a World Qualifying Tour surfer, up against Germany’s Jasmin Schreter, a novice surfer joining the competition for a fun new experience. “I was scared out there with such big waves, my legs were actually shaking,” said Jasmin after her heat. “But Philippa was encouraging me and calling me into waves, so I did catch a couple of smaller ones. So it was scary but fun, and I’m glad I did it,” she added.
Other competitors advancing into the quarterfinals today included local surfing sisters Nildie Rietenbach and Nilbie Blancada. Older sister Nilbie has a knee injury sustained while free surfing nearly a week ago, but it’s not stopping her from competing. “I’ve had it checked out by the doctor and it’s just strained, but it’s ok to surf if I don’t go to hard. So I’m going to go as far as I can, as this is the competition we wait for all year so I’ve just got to do it!” she exclaimed.
Indonesia’s Puanani Johnson advanced into the quarterfinals with a narrow 1 point win over local Ana Mae Alipayo, while Manilyn “Dayday” Argente fearlessly attacked the sizeable Cloud 9 waves today to best Manette Alcala in Heat 6. Australia’s Kim Wooldridge used her pro surfing experience to dissect a few choice waves and get the heat win over Nemia Alciso.
Angieline Alipayo nipped Daisy Valdez by .07 of a point in the final seconds to earn her quarterfinal berth, and in the last heat of the day Japan’s Rina Kitazawa took an elevator drop on a large set wave to prove to the local girls that she wasn’t going to back off when the swell is pumping, eliminating local Dalvina Gallargo in the process.
So in the quarterfinals it will be an evenly matched contest with four Siargao locals against four foreign surfers, which should make for great entertainment as the local crowd will be screaming and cheering for their favorites when the action continues tomorrow morning.
ASC Head Judge Billy Hangan had some advice for the competitors, saying, “Today the waves provided a really good platform for the seeded and more experienced surfers to step up, and what they’ll need to do tomorrow to win is a combination of an initial barrel and then a solid turn, then a strong finishing maneuver. That’s what will bring in those high scores. We saw some great surfing today, but I can’t wait for tomorrow to see how they will perform as the swell is expected to be the same or slightly bigger.”
Looking back on the morning surfing, Contest Director Gerry Degan had a couple of highlights to comment on. “I really enjoyed watching Philippa’s heat first thing this morning, as it was big and pretty heavy out there. Only one girl didn’t show up today, but that went in the Nilbie’s favor as she got to surf Cloud 9 for 10 minutes all by herself, which I’m sure she didn’t mind, that was the other highlight. When the swell picks up like this, those are the two surfers I like to watch out for” he said.
Tomorrow’s lineup will be:
Quarterfinal 1 – Philippa Anderson (AUS) vs Puanani Johnson (IDN)
Quarterfinal 2 – Nildie Rietenbach (PHL) vs Kim Wooldridge (AUS)
Quarterfinal 3 – Nilbie Blancada (PHL) vs Manilyn Argente (PHL)
Quarterfinal 4 – Angieline Alipayo (PHL) vs Rina Kitazawa (JPN)
With the swell forecast looking great for tomorrow, a 6:30 am call went out to the remaining surfers, and depending upon conditions the competition could conclude by midday. First place prize money is $3,000 USD, so expect to see some fierce competition for that big pot of loot!
Weather and internet connectivity permitting, you will be able to see live heat scores as well as a live cam of Cloud 9 during each mornings competition at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com/events/siargaowomenscup
With a truly international field of 24 women from countries including Japan, Germany, Slovakia, Greece, England, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Australia joining the Philippines best women surfers at one of the world’s top 10 surf spots as rated by CNN and Surfer Magazine, the 8th annual Siargao International Women’s Cup is spectacular event for both competitors and the spectators alike.
The Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup is funded by the Municipality of General Luna, together with sponsors Volcom, Skullcandy, Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Kudo Surf, Sagana Resort, Surf Angels, Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa, Lux Siargao Boutique Resort, Hippie’s Surf Shop, Rock Island Sushi, San Miguel, Cebu Pacific Airlines, and My Life On Board.
Sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships and supported by the Philippine Surfing Federation, Philippine Department of Tourism, Province of Siargao Del Norte, and Philippines House of Representatives
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