Hometown fave advances in Siargao International Surfing Cup

Siargao native, Mark Tokong, makes waves at the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup. PHOTO FROM WORLD SURFING LEAGUE ASIA

Hometown favorite John Mark Tokong on Tuesday advanced in the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup held at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island.

According to a statement, Tokong who is also called "Marama" by his townmates, led the halfway mark of Heat 3 but "needed to repulse the challenge of heavy favorite Skip McCullough of the United States."

"I kept my composure," said Tokong, who is also a member of the Philippine surfing team in this year's Southeast Asian Games, after bagging 2nd place in the tournament.

The 23-year-old surfer scored 12.75 points while McCullough gathered 12.10 points for the 3rd spot.

Australian Thomas Cervi took the top spot with 13.25 points.

The top two finishers in each heat will advance to the next round.

Tokong had previously won the Siargao International in 2015.

In order to win, he needs to beat leading Indonesian surfer Oney Anwar in Round of 16. Anwar, meanwhile, beat Tokong in Round of 32.

Others who advanced were Bronson Meydi of Indonesia, who will go against Elliot Pserata-Reid of New Zealand; Hawaii's Nosh Beschan against Australia's Callum Robson; and Cervi against Tomas King.

The event was organized by Siargao Representative Bingo Matugas and the provincial government headed by Governor Francis Matugas. — BAP, GMA News