Darragh and Reginato Crowned Champions at Thrilling Phillip Island Pro

Lucy Darragh and Alister Reginato win the Phillip Island Pro QS 4000, securing Challenger Series spots. Read about the thrilling finals and Pro Junior champions.

Darragh and Reginato Crowned Champions at Thrilling Phillip Island Pro

The World Surf League (WSL) Phillip Island Pro QS 4000 concluded with thrilling finals, crowning Lucy Darragh and Alister Reginato as champions. The event, held in challenging four-to-six-foot surf at Cape Woolamai, also served as the final stop for the season, determining crucial Challenger Series (CS) qualifications for the Australia/Oceania and Asia regions.

Key Takeaways

  • Lucy Darragh secured the women's Australia/Oceania QS regional title and a spot on the Challenger Series.
  • Alister Reginato claimed his second QS victory, earning a return to the Challenger Series.
  • The event also saw the conclusion of the Pro Junior, with Willow Hardy and Ocean Lancaster taking out their respective divisions.

Darragh Dominates Women's Field

Lucy Darragh, a 15-year-old phenom from the NSW South Coast, capped off a dominant season by winning the Phillip Island Pro QS 4000. This victory marked her third major QS win of the year and solidified her position as the Australia/Oceania QS regional champion for 2025/26. Darragh showcased impressive form throughout the event, navigating the challenging conditions with powerful surfing. In the final, she faced Anon Matsuoka of Japan, ultimately securing the win with a combination of strong backhand maneuvers.

Reginato Returns to Challenger Series

Alister Reginato, a 25-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, delivered a standout performance to win the men's division of the Phillip Island Pro QS 4000. This victory, his second on the QS and the biggest of his career, earns him a coveted spot back on the Challenger Series. Reginato's powerful surfing and aerial prowess were on full display, particularly in his Semifinal heat where he posted the highest score of Finals Day. He faced Tully Wylie in the final, ultimately clinching the title after Wylie was unable to find a final scoring wave.

Pro Junior Champions Crowned

Prior to the QS 4000 finals, the Phillip Island Pro Junior also concluded. Willow Hardy (AUS) emerged victorious in the women's division, marking her second WSL win. In the men's Pro Junior, Ocean Lancaster (AUS) claimed his first WSL victory, showcasing exceptional skill in the challenging surf. Both Hardy and Lancaster demonstrated impressive talent, setting the stage for future competitions.

Challenger Series Qualification Secured

The Phillip Island Pro served as the final event for Challenger Series qualification in both the Australia/Oceania and Asia regions. Darragh's win guaranteed her spot, alongside Isla Huppatz, Charli Hately, and Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie for the women's Australia/Oceania region. For the men's Asia region, Bronson Meydi, Kei Kobayashi, Dylan Wilcoxen, Ketut Agus, and Riaru Ito secured their berths. The Australia/Oceania men's rankings saw Reef Heazlewood, Lennix Smith, Caleb Tancred, and Harley Walters among those who qualified.

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