Molly Picklum advances at Philippines Pro after board breakage

World No. 1 surfer Molly Picklum reached the quarter-finals of the Philippines Pro at the Cloud 9 break in Siargao after winning her round-one heat against local wildcard Mara Lopez. Despite breaking a board during the match, Picklum secured an 11.50 total to defeat the 15-year-old Lopez, who scored 4.50.

Picklum praised the young Filipino surfer, noting Lopez’s talent as a longboarder and her potential to inspire future generations. The competition features several high-profile athletes, including five-time world champion Carissa Moore, who recorded the event's highest single wave score of 9.00, and two-time champion Tyler Wright.

In the men's division, local wildcard John Mark Tokong recorded the highest heat score of the event so far, defeating Brazilian Samuel Pupo. Other Australian competitors, including Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing, also progressed through the early rounds.