Pinoy surfer overpowers Hawaiian contender; wins Surfing Cup

Siargao native John Mark Tokong on Wednesday wins in the finals of the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup. PHOTO FROM WORLD SURF LEAGUE

Filipino surfer John Mark Tokong on Wednesday bested Hawaiian contender Noah Beschen in the finals of the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup, 16.80 - 16.75, according to a statement released by the management.

Tokong defeated his Indonesian rival Oney Anwar in the quarter finals before beating Costa Rica's Tomas King, 19.05 - 15.30, in the semifinals.

Now the champion, the victory more than made up for Tokong's finals loss against Skip McCullough of the United States last year.

"I dedicate this win to my townmates and my family. I just don't want to disappoint them," the 23-year-old said.

The win increased Tokong's worldwide ranking by 683 ranks and boosted the Filipino surfer to rank 251 in the World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS) 1,500 event.

Tokong also thanked Siargao Representative Bingo Matugas and Governor Francisco "Lalo" Matugas for their support.

He will be leading the country's gold-medal bid in the Southeast Asian Games.

The surfing competition was held at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. — BAP, GMA News