Morocco Mall Junior Pro Casablanca: Young Surfers Shine as Finals Day Approaches

Recap of the Morocco Mall Junior Pro Casablanca, highlighting key performances, advancing surfers, and the road to Finals Day at the WSL JQS event.

Morocco Mall Junior Pro Casablanca: Young Surfers Shine as Finals Day Approaches

The Morocco Mall Junior Pro Casablanca, a key event on the World Surf League (WSL) Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000, has seen intense competition as young surfers battle for regional rankings. Held at Ain Diab, Casablanca, the event marks the first co-sanctioned pro junior between the Europe and Africa regions, attracting over 150 athletes.

Key Takeaways

  • Finals Day is set, with top seeds advancing through challenging conditions.
  • Notable performances include high heat totals and first-time quarterfinal appearances.
  • The event serves as the season opener for the 2026 JQS.

Opening Rounds and Early Standouts

The competition kicked off with fun surf, allowing athletes to showcase their skills. In the men's division, Luc Bier, Benjamim Magalhaes, and Paul Fabre were early heat winners. Achille Clerc posted the highest heat total of the opening day with 14.00, securing a spot in the Round of 64. Other strong performances came from Pietro Garroux, Malone Vieuge, and Theo Coathalem.

Top Seeds Enter the Fray

As the event progressed, the top seeds entered the competition. Day 2 saw the completion of the women's Round of 56 and 48, and the men's Round of 64 and women's Round of 32. Erica Maximo delivered an impressive 8.00 and a total of 15.00 in the women's draw, while Rose Calvez also advanced to the Quarterfinals. In the men's Round of 64, Pietro Garroux narrowly defeated Lukas Skinner, and Marley Benesenes Masse recorded the highest heat total of that round with 14.30. Moroccan surfer Maria Elouedrhiri emerged as the last local hope, reaching the Quarterfinals.

Round of 32 and Road to Finals Day

Day 3 focused on the men's Round of 32, setting the stage for Finals Day. Pietro Garroux continued his strong performance, securing a heat win with an 8.33. Fernando Ibarra also impressed with an 8.00. Teenage Irish champion Joshua Karbus achieved his first junior career Quarterfinal appearance. Top seeds Hans Odriozola, Lukas Skinner, and Alfonso Suarez are all set to compete in the Quarterfinals. Alai Rodriguez Albeniz posted the highest heat total of the round with 14.40, while South Africa's Levi Epenetos also advanced.

Looking Ahead

Finals Day is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, with the next call set for 7:00 a.m. GMT+1. The event is supported by the City of Casablanca, the Moroccan National Tourist Office, Morocco Mall, and several other local partners.

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