SAN JUAN, La Union: Filipino surfer John Mark “Marama” Tokong did not disappoint the local fans as he emerged champion in the World Surfing League (WSL) La Union International Pro men’s shortboard competition at the Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan on Thursday, January 25.
Tokong scored 8.50 points in Wave 1 and 9.40 in Wave 2 for a total of 17.90 points in defeating Swedish Kian Martin.
Martin accumulated only 13.25 points in the final after scoring 5.25 in Wave 1 and 8.00 in Wave 2.
![SURF KING Siargao native John Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong (center) wins the shortboard event of the World Surfing League La Union International Pro Men’s QS 3000 at Monalisa Point in San Juan, La Union, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO](https://www.manilatimes.net/manilatimes/uploads/images/2024/01/26/295186.jpg)
SURF KING Siargao native John Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong (center) wins the shortboard event of the World Surfing League La Union International Pro Men’s QS 3000 at Monalisa Point in San Juan, La Union, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO
With his conquest of the event, Tokong garnered 3,000 points to fortify his bid of advancing in the challenger series.
But more than the points and the prize money of $5,600 (P315,142) he won, Tokong was elated to have emerged champion before his supportive family and the Filipinos watching the event.
“It’s amazing. I can’t really suppress what I’m feeling. I’m so happy and so stoked right now because everyone here is supporting me, my family, all the people watching this event. I’m so grateful for you guys thank you,” said Tokong.
“I’m not just doing this for myself, I’m doing this for my family and for the Philippines.”
That support is what made Tokong so excited during the semifinals that nearly took him out of focus.
“During the semifinals, I think I was so excited so when I made it to the finals, I was like ‘before my heat in the final, I’m going to make sure that I’m not going to be so excited,'” he said.
“In the first wave I got a really good score and in the second wave, I still got a good score. I was really confident.”
Lucky enough to get favorable waves, Tokong surfed well in the final as he managed to pull off a long and clean ride while also doing aerial maneuvers in between, much to the delight of the fans.
Meanwhile, Japanese Kana Nakashio defeated compatriot Sara Wakita, 15.10-12.20, in the final to rule the women’s shortboard category.
The longboard competition was being held at press time.