World Surf League does Japan at the Gotcha Ichonimya Chiba Open. - WSL / Steve Robertson
After another massive day of action a Shida Point just to the south of Tokyo, the Quarterfinalists have been decided for the Gotcha Ichinomiya Chiba Open Women's QS3,000. With a slight increase in swell, the event ran through women's Rounds two and three with Round One of the men's QS6,000 was completed.
Australia's Philippa Anderson is fresh off a Qualifying Series (QS) victory in the Philippines just over a week ago. Currently sitting at 6th on the QS rankings, Anderson is looking forward to another good result here, as she locked in a Quarterfinals spot on her first visit to Japan.
Philippa Anderson on her way to the Quarterfinals at the Ichonomiya Chiba Open. - WSL / Steve Robertson
"It's my first time in Japan and I'm absolutely loving it here," Anderson said. "The food, the people and the whole atmosphere is fantastic and I'm enjoying the waves as well. I'm hoping we get the bigger waves for the Quarterfinals as forecasted -- I can't wait."
Minori Kawai led the impressive local charge by winning her Round Three heat to also advance to the Quarterfinals.
Minori Kawai led the local charge on Day 2. - WSL / Steve Robertson
"I'm excited to make the Quarterfinals," Kawai said. "It's a great opportunity for me to advance my ranking on the Qualifying Series and I'm looking forward to my next heat."
Kawai was joined in the Quarters by fellow Japanese surfer Hinako Kurokawa, who advanced in 2nd place in Round Three.
Former Championship Tour surfers Paige Hareb, Chelsea Tuach and Dimity Stoyle also progressed into the Quarterfinals along with Aussie Championship Tour (CT) hopefuls Kobie Enright and Isabella Nichols.
Dimity Stoyle wrapping back into the Quarterfinals. - WSL / Steve Robertson
French surfer Paul Cesar Distinguin put on an impressive display of backhand surfing to win his Round One heat. His powerful turns earned him an excellent 8.00-point ride in his tally as he progresses into Round Two.
Australia's Jacob Willcox was also impressive using both his on-face vertical turns and aerial skills to good effect to lock himself a spot in Round Two.
Jacob Willcox throwing caution to the wind. - WSL / Steve Robertson
"I feel good knowing I can score from power turns or if necessary going to aerial moves," Willcox said. "You never know what will happen on these waves after take-off so it's important to adapt to the conditions -- I'm hoping it's a little bigger for tomorrow's Round Three."
Also taking Round One heat wins today were South American pair Luel Felipe and Miguel Tudela.
Tomorrow looks certain to see men's top seeds including Adriano de Souza and Kanoa Igarashi in action with good waves forecast all day.
Women's Quarterfinalists Decided at Shida Point
WSL
After another massive day of action a Shida Point just to the south of Tokyo, the Quarterfinalists have been decided for the Gotcha Ichinomiya Chiba Open Women's QS3,000. With a slight increase in swell, the event ran through women's Rounds two and three with Round One of the men's QS6,000 was completed.
Australia's Philippa Anderson is fresh off a Qualifying Series (QS) victory in the Philippines just over a week ago. Currently sitting at 6th on the QS rankings, Anderson is looking forward to another good result here, as she locked in a Quarterfinals spot on her first visit to Japan.
"It's my first time in Japan and I'm absolutely loving it here," Anderson said. "The food, the people and the whole atmosphere is fantastic and I'm enjoying the waves as well. I'm hoping we get the bigger waves for the Quarterfinals as forecasted -- I can't wait."
Minori Kawai led the impressive local charge by winning her Round Three heat to also advance to the Quarterfinals.
"I'm excited to make the Quarterfinals," Kawai said. "It's a great opportunity for me to advance my ranking on the Qualifying Series and I'm looking forward to my next heat."
Kawai was joined in the Quarters by fellow Japanese surfer Hinako Kurokawa, who advanced in 2nd place in Round Three.
Former Championship Tour surfers Paige Hareb, Chelsea Tuach and Dimity Stoyle also progressed into the Quarterfinals along with Aussie Championship Tour (CT) hopefuls Kobie Enright and Isabella Nichols.
French surfer Paul Cesar Distinguin put on an impressive display of backhand surfing to win his Round One heat. His powerful turns earned him an excellent 8.00-point ride in his tally as he progresses into Round Two.
Australia's Jacob Willcox was also impressive using both his on-face vertical turns and aerial skills to good effect to lock himself a spot in Round Two.
"I feel good knowing I can score from power turns or if necessary going to aerial moves," Willcox said. "You never know what will happen on these waves after take-off so it's important to adapt to the conditions -- I'm hoping it's a little bigger for tomorrow's Round Three."
Also taking Round One heat wins today were South American pair Luel Felipe and Miguel Tudela.
Tomorrow looks certain to see men's top seeds including Adriano de Souza and Kanoa Igarashi in action with good waves forecast all day.
Ichinomiya Chiba Open - Women's
The Brazilian grabs an 8000 point lead after taking the Gotcha Ichinomiya Shida Open. Minori Kawai takes women's win.
It's crunch time at the QS6000 event in Japan, where the stakes are running high.
Another massive day at Shida Point, competition has seen the field narrowed to 4 in Men's and Women's.
On-shore wind and rain greets competitors on Day 4 of the Gotcha Ichinomiya Chiba Open powered by GoPro.
Men's Round Two is completed in an action-packed day at the Gotcha Ichinomiya Chiba Open.
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