SIARGAO – After bowing out of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro, Filipino teen surfer Mara Lopez earned praise and encouraging words from none other than world No. 1 Molly Picklum.
The 15-year old Lopez finished with 4.50 points against Picklum's 11.50 in their heat at the famed Cloud 9 reef break on Sunday morning. The young wildcard from La Union managed a 2.50-point ride on her third wave and added 2.00 on her fourth.
Reigning world No. 1 Pinklum produced scores of 5.33 and 6.17 to secure the victory in the 10-day competition presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and backed by Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga.
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The Australian surfing star still was left impressed by the young home bet, who faced her in Round 1 and Heat 5, and saw in Lopez a promising talent that can mark a mark for Philippine surfing in the future.
But beyond the result, Picklum was particularly touched after learning that she may have been one of Lopez's inspirations in taking up the sport.
"Maybe I'm one of her inspirations. And that stuff to me is just so special," Picklum said, reflecting on her encounter with the young Filipino surfer.
Picklum also had encouraging words for Lopez, praising her surfing ability and revealing that the teenager is also an outstanding longboarder.
"I said to her, 'You're surfing so well.' And she's also an A-one longboarder," the Australian star said.
The world No. 1 also expressed admiration for Siargao's closely-knit surfing community, pointing out how the small island has built a strong culture around the sport.
"Siargao is such a small island and they have such a strong surfing community. So that was really cool," Picklum said.
For Lopez, the encounter with one of the sport's biggest names provided a valuable experience despite the early exit. Picklum's words also served as a strong vote of confidence in the young Filipina's ability to make her mark in the sport.
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