World Surf League PH Pro: Filipino surfers Tokong and Alciso bow out in Round 2

Four-time Siargao Surfing International champion John Mark "Marama" Tokong and fellow Filipino surfer Jayuard Alciso saw their campaigns end in the second round of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro on Monday, November 2, at the iconic Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao.

Tokong bowed out against Australia's Ethan Ewing, while Alciso was eliminated by Japan's Kanoa Igarashi.

Despite the early exit, both athletes made history for Philippine surfing by advancing to the second round following standout performances in their respective opening heats on Nov. 1.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) highlighted that while Tokong and Alciso fell short of the third round, their strong showing demonstrated the rising caliber of local surfing talent and proved that Filipino athletes can go toe-to-toe with the world's elite.

Both Tokong and Alciso entered the tournament as wildcard entries. The event marks a monumental milestone as the first-time the Philippines has hosted a prestigious WSL Championship Tour leg.

Running from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, the competition features a stellar international field battling for the inaugural WSL Philippines Pro title, which carries a top prize of $80,000 (approximately ₱5.1 million).

-RA Sibag/Paraluman News