India’s challenge ends as Japan rules the waves

Japan dominated the third day of the World Surf League Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior (JQS) at Mahabalipuram beach while India’s challenge ended on Friday.

Kishore Kumar and Sheik Davudh, who were the last men standing for the host nation, were unable to make the cut from their respective Pro Junior quarterfinal heats. Japan ruled the waves, with all eight semifinalists — Ren Okano, Taro Takai, Raimu Yamamoto, Ikko Watanabe, Yuma Nagasawa, Taro Matsuno, Taki Kanazawa, and Sentaro Sakai — coming from the top-seeded nation.

Meanwhile, in the Open men’s category, Shohei Kato (14.50), Tenshi Iwami (14.17), Watanabe (13.16), and Sakai (12.17) advanced to the next round, setting up an all-Japanese semifinals.

Thailand’s Isabel Higgs was the only non-Japanese across categories to reach the semifinal stage as she advanced in the Open women’s class. After getting the better of Hinano Shimizu (10.43), Higgs (11.04) later booked a spot in the final, where Mirai Ikeda awaits.

The conditions were conducive with no rain or cloudy skies. As the competition intensifies, Higgs will attempt to prevent a Japanese sweep.