World No. 14 Yolanda Hopkins of Portugal rocked the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 in Siargao on Saturday, Oct. 31. She eliminated world No. 3 Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii and set up a quarterfinal against Caitlin Simmers.

Hopkins won Heat 2 with a combined 10.10 from waves of 5.27 and 4.83. Bryan managed only 7.00 from scores of 4.00 and 3.00 and settled for ninth place.

Simmers, the world No. 6, also advanced by beating fellow American Caroline Marks in the opening heat. She posted 15.17 on a 9.00 and a 6.17, while Marks scored 9.00 from waves of 5.50 and 3.50 and also finished ninth.

Hopkins Upset Rocks Cloud 9

The Championship Tour stop is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Rusillon-Sajulga support the event.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways also lend their backing. So do the National Electrification Administration and the Siargao Electric Cooperative.

Simmers Raves About Cloud 9

Simmers, Hopkins’ next opponent, praised Cloud 9 as one of her favorite surfing destinations. She cited the technical challenges and opportunities the famed Siargao break offers.

“Honestly, I keep telling people it’s one of my favorite waves on the planet because it’s just really tight, and you kind of have to do some exciting things in the spaces you get. It’s pretty hard to just do your stock-standard couple of turns on it,” said Simmers.

The American said Cloud 9 demands creativity and precise timing. Its changing sections can force surfers to adjust their approach while they look for chances to pull off difficult maneuvers.

She also singled out the wave’s end section as a promising spot for aerial moves. Simmers voiced hope that the world’s top women would take advantage of it to showcase their skills.

“I think I’m just hoping all the girls do airs because these are the best surfers in the world, best women in the world. And I know every single one of them can do an air on that end section. It’s just a matter of timing, really,” she said.

Simmers believes the challenging but rewarding nature of Cloud 9 could produce spectacular performances as the competition progresses. The world’s best women surfers are battling for a place in the next round.