World No. 1 Molly Picklum beat Mara Lopez at Cloud 9, then handed the Filipina teenager a compliment worth more than any heat score. The Australian champion said the 15-year-old is going to inspire the next generation of surfers in the Philippines.

Picklum beat the La Union native in Round 1, Heat 5, of the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro on Sunday, Nov. 1. Lopez finished with 4.50 points to Picklum’s 11.50 at the Siargao reef break.

Picklum Praises Lopez’s Talent

Picklum was touched to learn that she may have helped inspire Lopez to take up surfing. “Maybe I’m one of her inspirations. And that stuff to me is just so special,” she said.

The Australian also praised the teenager’s ability in the water. “I said to her, you’re surfing so well. And she’s also an A-one longboarder,” Picklum said.

Picklum sees Lopez as a role model for aspiring athletes in the country. “Either way, she’s going to inspire the next generation, which is just so cool,” she added.

Siargao Surf Culture Impresses Champion

Picklum also admired the surfing community that has taken root on Siargao. “Siargao is such a small island and they have such a strong surfing community. So that was really cool,” she said.

Lopez scored 2.50 on her third wave and added 2.00 on her fourth. Picklum answered with scores of 5.33 and 6.17 to secure the win.

The Philippines Pro is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga also back the event.

Also backing the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Their support helps power the tournament in General Luna.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO) also support the tournament. It is the first WSL Championship Tour event in the Philippines.