Chelsea Tuach, Barbados’ first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) qualifier, proved she stays a formidable competitor, advancing to the ladies’s last on the La Marginal occasion after a powerful week of browsing.
The 28-year-old displayed her signature backhand energy in Puerto Rico, skilfully navigating the difficult waves and in the end securing her spot within the last, the place she confronted Costa Rican surfer Leilani McGonagle on Sunday.
Tuach’s path to the ultimate noticed her outperform Olivia Storrer (USA) within the semi-finals, establishing her as a number one contender on the Qualifying Sequence (QS) 3000 occasion. The pristine four-to-six-foot waves in Arecibo set the stage for high-caliber performances, with each Tuach and McGonagle delivering thrilling runs that stored spectators on edge.
The ultimate noticed a decent battle between the seasoned QS standouts. Tuach took an early lead with a modest rating benefit, managing a 5.67 out of 10. Nonetheless, the final 5 minutes of the warmth introduced an intense showdown as McGonagle capitalized on her forehand power, posting a heat-best rating of seven.83. In a last try and reclaim the lead, Tuach had one final alternative however fell simply quick, leaving McGonagle to say the victory.
Reflecting on her near-win
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Reflecting on her near-win, Tuach stated, “Entering into the ultimate and getting second, you’re asking your self why does it really feel good and form of suck on the identical time. However, I’m completely happy to have gotten there, and it was good to surf that last with Leilani. We joked it was one for the previous ladies after the Tremendous Lady was all of the younger ladies doing very well, so it was enjoyable. I believe we was once a bit jealous of the Australia and Asia QS, however the schedule for us this yr is wonderful. To have an occasion right here, in Pismo, and a number of QS 3000s – it’s simply wonderful. I’m trying ahead to protecting this momentum going.”
McGonagle, who celebrated her second main QS win within the Caribbean, expressed gratitude for her assist staff and the Costa Rican neighborhood. “I’m simply actually grateful to all my staff and need to thank my household who at all times helps me,” she stated. “It was powerful in the beginning getting a set on the pinnacle and being out of place, however I’m stoked to get that one. I respect Chelsea a lot, and it was particular to share that last together with her.”
As Tuach and McGonagle look to keep up their momentum, each will head to Jacksonville Seaside, Florida, the place they’ll compete this weekend in one other key Qualifying Sequence occasion.
Within the males’s last, Dimitri Poulos claimed victory over Taro Watanabe, marking his second profession QS title as he continues his pursuit of requalification for the Challenger Sequence.
