Ellie Francis' great contest run came to an end in Round 2 at Cloud Break. - WSL / Tim Hain
The Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup has cruised through Round 2 and the Quarterfinals on Day 2 of Action. The second round brought with it the event's top seeds who were treated to fun 2-to-3 foot waves at the beautiful right-hander of Cloud 9 in the Philippines.
Local ripper Nilbie Blancada was the standout performer of day 2, lifting her level to overcome the top seeds. Blancada used her intimate knowledge of Cloud 9 to win both her heats today to advance to the Semifinals where she will face event No. 1 seed Philippa Anderson.
Blancada's Quarterfinal performance was particularly impressive as she posted the a 14.75 heat total (out of a possible 20), the highest of the entire round, including an excellent 8.00 point single ride (out of a possible 10), the highest of the event so far.
Nilbie Blancada overcame some of the events top seeds to make it to the semifinals where she will face off with the events top seed Philippa Anderson. - WSL / Tim Hain
"I can't believe it - I've had such a fantastic day," Blancada said. "The standard is really high, all the international surfers are so good and I'm really enjoying just competing against them in front of all my friends and family - Tomorrow's finals should be amazing."
Philippa Anderson also found some high scoring rides to win through Round 2 and the Quarterfinals. The events top seeds looming battle with Blancada in Semifinal 1 is much anticipated. After narrowly missing out on qualifying for the elite Championship Tour this year, Anderson goes into the match-up a clear favourite but is weary of Blancada's local knowledge.
Philippa Anderson is the events top seed and will face off in semifinal 1 with local standout Nilbie Blancada - WSL / Tim Hain
"The winds are onshore which is unusual for this break and I find you need to be selective to get the good scores," Anderson said. "I'm happy to be in the Semifinals, Nilbie has been surfing so well and knows the waves here so it should be a great heat. Hopefully the winds will be a little cleaner."
Australia's Freya Prumm won a closely fought Quarterfinal heat defeating french style master Lee-Ann Curren. Prumm will now join compatriot Mikaela Greene in the second Semifinal.
Freya Prumm on her way to the Semifinals at Cloud 9. - WSL / Tim Hain
Organisers are optimistic that a predicted slight swell increase and lighter winds will provide the best conditions of the event for the Semifinals and Final.
Top Seeds Tackle Cloud 9
WSL
The Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup has cruised through Round 2 and the Quarterfinals on Day 2 of Action. The second round brought with it the event's top seeds who were treated to fun 2-to-3 foot waves at the beautiful right-hander of Cloud 9 in the Philippines.
Local ripper Nilbie Blancada was the standout performer of day 2, lifting her level to overcome the top seeds. Blancada used her intimate knowledge of Cloud 9 to win both her heats today to advance to the Semifinals where she will face event No. 1 seed Philippa Anderson.
Blancada's Quarterfinal performance was particularly impressive as she posted the a 14.75 heat total (out of a possible 20), the highest of the entire round, including an excellent 8.00 point single ride (out of a possible 10), the highest of the event so far.
"I can't believe it - I've had such a fantastic day," Blancada said. "The standard is really high, all the international surfers are so good and I'm really enjoying just competing against them in front of all my friends and family - Tomorrow's finals should be amazing."
Philippa Anderson also found some high scoring rides to win through Round 2 and the Quarterfinals. The events top seeds looming battle with Blancada in Semifinal 1 is much anticipated. After narrowly missing out on qualifying for the elite Championship Tour this year, Anderson goes into the match-up a clear favourite but is weary of Blancada's local knowledge.
"The winds are onshore which is unusual for this break and I find you need to be selective to get the good scores," Anderson said. "I'm happy to be in the Semifinals, Nilbie has been surfing so well and knows the waves here so it should be a great heat. Hopefully the winds will be a little cleaner."
Australia's Freya Prumm won a closely fought Quarterfinal heat defeating french style master Lee-Ann Curren. Prumm will now join compatriot Mikaela Greene in the second Semifinal.
Organisers are optimistic that a predicted slight swell increase and lighter winds will provide the best conditions of the event for the Semifinals and Final.
Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup
Finals Action From Cloud 9
Australian Philippa Anderson has won the first WSL Sanctioned Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup in the Philippines.
Day 2 Action From Cloud 9
Opening Day Action From Cloud 9
A huge opening day of action at the Inaugural WSL Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup.
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