Ikeda emerged on top in the Open women’s category.
| Photo Credit: R. Ravindran
Japan swept the top spot in all categories of the World Surf League (WSL) Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior (JQS) at Mamallapuram beach on Saturday.
After cloudy skies gave way to fierce competition, Japan turned on the heat.
Ikko Watanabe (17.10) overcame compatriot Tenshi Iwami to claim victory by a 0.33 margin in the Open men’s category. It was double delight for Watanabe as he posted the highest final score in the Shore Temple Classic.
While Mirai Ikeda could only manage a fourth-place finish in the women’s Pro Junior final, she clinched the Open women’s crown (14.00) by beating the only non-Japanese in action on the day, Thailand’s Isabel Higgs, by 1.60 points.
In the Pro Junior classes, Yuma Nagasawa (14.17) and Hinata Shimizu (14.23) emerged victorious among men and women respectively.
Arun Vasu, president, Asian Surfing Federation and Surfing Federation of India, hinted that two WSLs could be hosted next year. The Andaman islands has been confirmed as the host for one of them. Ty Sorati, tour director, WSL, Asia-Pacific (APAC), was also part of the closing ceremony.
Published – August 16, 2026 12:25 am IST
