The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal concluded with thrilling performances from Yago Dora and Caroline Marks, who both emerged victorious in their respective finals. Dora secured his second career Championship Tour (CT) win by defeating world number one Italo Ferreira, while Marks triumphed over Gabriela Bryan to claim her seventh career victory.
Key Takeaways
- Yago Dora won the men’s final against Italo Ferreira with a score of 13.37 to 12.43.
- Caroline Marks defeated Gabriela Bryan in the women’s final with a score of 7.90 to 6.97.
- The event took place at Supertubos, known for its challenging surf conditions.
- Dora’s victory marks a significant rise in his rankings, moving him to World No. 4.
- Marks expressed her excitement about starting the season with a win, especially with her father present.
Yago Dora’s Path to Victory
Yago Dora, a 28-year-old Brazilian surfer, showcased his skills throughout the competition, defeating notable competitors including Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing before facing Ferreira in the final. The conditions at Supertubos were challenging, but Dora managed to navigate them effectively.
In the final, both surfers displayed impressive aerial maneuvers, but it was Dora’s wave selection and creativity that ultimately secured him the win. He expressed his determination, stating, "I wasn’t going to let this one get away; I wanted to win this one so bad."
Dora’s victory not only adds to his accolades but also boosts his confidence as he prepares for upcoming events. He acknowledged the support of his new coach and the hard work that led to this moment.
Caroline Marks’ Strong Performance
On the women’s side, Caroline Marks faced Gabriela Bryan in a tightly contested final. The waves were less than ideal, with a strong rip current making it difficult for both surfers to score high. However, Marks managed to secure the lead early on and maintained it through strategic wave selection.
Marks’ final score of 7.90 was enough to edge out Bryan, who finished with 6.97. Reflecting on her win, Marks said, "It wasn’t the prettiest Final, but we’ll take it. Winning feels so good, I’m so pumped."
This victory marks Marks’ second win at Supertubos, further solidifying her status as a top competitor in women’s surfing. She expressed her joy at having her father present for the event, making the win even more special.
Looking Ahead
With the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal wrapped up, both Yago Dora and Caroline Marks are set to carry their momentum into the next event in El Salvador. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, fans are eager to see how their performances will unfold in the upcoming competitions.
The event not only highlighted the talent of these surfers but also showcased the unpredictable nature of competitive surfing, where conditions can change rapidly, impacting performance and outcomes. Both champions are now looking to build on their successes as the Championship Tour continues.
Sources
- Congratulations, Caroline Marks & Yago Dora!, Surf News Network.
- Yago Dora, Caroline Marks Win 2025 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, SURFER Magazine.
- Yago Dora snuffs out "miracle" Italo Ferreira to take surfing’s European grand slam!, BeachGrit.
