The Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, the final stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Europe Junior Qualifying Series (JQS), has delivered thrilling action as Europe’s top junior surfers battle for regional titles and World Junior Championship berths. Held in pumping surf at Anza beach, the event has seen significant upsets and standout performances, narrowing the field as the competition progresses towards its conclusion.
Key Takeaways
- The Junior Pro Taghazout Bay is the decisive final event of the WSL Europe JQS season.
- Top contenders are emerging, with several high-ranking surfers facing unexpected eliminations.
- Excellent surf conditions have characterized the competition days.
- The event determines both the WSL Europe Junior Champions and qualifiers for the WSL World Junior Championships.
Early Rounds and Rising Stars
The competition window opened with promising conditions, setting the stage for a high-stakes week. Early heats saw impressive performances from emerging talents. Fifteen-year-old Achille Clerc made a notable debut, posting the highest total of the opening day. Antoine Habashi also impressed with the highest single-wave score. Local Moroccan surfers, including Lahcen Ourchim and Driss Makoua, advanced through the initial rounds, gaining valuable experience on home turf.
Day Two Delivers Pumping Surf and Shuffles Rankings
Day two of the Junior Pro Taghazout Bay saw the surf step up, with four-to-six foot waves at Anza providing excellent conditions. Spain’s Conor Donegan Dos Santos, currently ranked No. 4, launched his campaign with a strong performance, securing a high heat total. Other notable heat winners included Oxel Oregi Cortes and Portugal’s João Mendonça, both demonstrating their potential to cause upsets in the rankings. The day also featured exciting come-from-behind victories, highlighting the competitive spirit of the young athletes.
Upsets and Quarterfinalists Emerge
As the competition progressed into the men’s and women’s Round of 32, the field began to narrow significantly, with major upsets shaking up the rankings. Junior rankings leader Alfonso Suarez was eliminated, as was No. 2 Dylan Donegan Dos Santos, creating opportunities for others to claim the regional title. Conor Donegan Dos Santos continued his impressive form, posting the highest heat total of the event so far. Oxel Oregi Cortes and João Mendonça secured their spots in the Quarterfinals. On the women’s side, rankings leader Carla Morera De La Vall faced a tough challenge but ultimately advanced, while Sarah Leiceaga and Teresa Pereira also secured Quarterfinal berths. Maria Salgado and Naïa Monte, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, are also through, setting up a thrilling battle for the regional title and World Junior Championship qualification.
Sources
- Anza Pumps For Day 2 At Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
- Field Narrowed Down As Top Contenders Emerge at Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
- Europe’s Junior Tour Season Finale Kicks Off at Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
- Europe’s Best Juniors Prepared for High-Stakes Week at Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
