The WSL International Wanning Corona Cero Pro has concluded at Riyue Bay, Hainan Island, showcasing thrilling competition in both the QS 4000 and Pro Junior events. Surfers from across Asia battled challenging conditions and each other, with several historic firsts marking the competition’s return to China after a five-year hiatus.
Key Takeaways
- Historic victories for Chinese surfers, including the first WSL heat wins on home soil for both men and women.
- Emergence of new talent in the Pro Junior division, with strong performances from both Chinese and Japanese competitors.
- The event served as a crucial stepping stone for surfers aiming for the Challenger Series and the 2026 Asia Regional Pro Junior Series.
Historic Firsts and Chinese Surfing Growth
The opening day of the WSL International Wanning Corona Cero Pro was marked by significant milestones for Chinese surfing. Jiahao Zhang became the first Chinese surfer to win a WSL heat on home soil in the men’s QS division, expressing disbelief and excitement. In the women’s Pro Junior, Yuting Zhang made history as the first Chinese woman to win a WSL heat in China, utilizing her backhand attack on the Riyue Bay lefts.
These achievements underscore the significant investment and growth of surfing within China. The event saw a large contingent of local talent competing, with several progressing through the initial rounds, demonstrating the increasing level of surfing in the region.
Pro Junior Showdown
The WSL International Wanning Pro Junior saw intense battles as quarterfinalists and semifinalists were decided. Wu Yaomei (CHN) emerged as a standout performer, securing her second Pro Junior Quarterfinal appearance and later advancing to her first WSL Semifinal, posting high scores with her powerful backhand.
Japanese surfers also made their mark, with Rita Suzuki (JPN) and Hinano Shimizu (JPN) reaching the semifinals. A unique matchup occurred between twin sisters Hinano and Hinata Shimizu (JPN) in the quarterfinals, with Hinata ultimately advancing to her first Pro Junior Semifinal. The Pro Junior event serves as the launchpad for the 2026 Asia Regional Pro Junior Series, with rankings counting towards qualification for the WSL World Junior Championships.
QS 4000 Competition
The QS 4000 event attracted over 100 of Asia’s top surfers, all vying for crucial points towards Challenger Series qualification. Competitors like Kana Nakashio (JPN) and Kei Kobayashi (JPN), leaders in the Asia region QS rankings, were present, alongside notable surfers such as Bronson Meydi (INA), the reigning WSL World Junior Champion.
Ikko Watanabe (JPN), the recently crowned Asia Junior Champion, carried his momentum into the event, posting the highest single-wave score in the men’s Pro Junior. The competition at Riyue Bay, a renowned left-point break, provided a challenging yet rewarding stage for surfers to showcase their skills.
Sources
- Quarterfinalists Decided on Day 2 of WSL International Wanning Pro Junior, World Surf League.
- Historic Firsts Highlight Opening Day of WSL International Wanning Corona Cero Pro, World Surf League.
- Competitors Arrive in Hainan Island for WSL International Wanning Corona Cero Pro, World Surf League.
- Short but Impactful Day at Riyue Bay for WSL International Wanning Pro Junior, World Surf League.
- Elite Competition Returns to Riyue Bay for WSL International Wanning Corona Cero Pro QS 4000, World Surf League.
