Huxtable secures runner-up in Philippines

JAN JUC surfer Xavier Huxtable has shot to second on the Australia/Oceania World Qualifying Series rankings after a huge result in the Philippines.

Huxtable secured a runner-up finish at the Siargao International Surfing Cup QS5000 last week at Cloud 9.

The most prestigious surfing event to run in the Philippines to date served up perfect waves for more than 100 competitors from around the world.

Huxtable was a standout from the outset of the event, putting up huge scores for attacking the lip with speed and pulling deep into the barrel.

In the semi-finals, he continued his form and became the first surfer to beat “the king of Cloud 9” John Mark Tokong since 2018.

A grandstand finish was assured for the event final with Huxtable pitted against good friend and fellow Australian Oscar Berry.

Huxtable led for the majority of the matchup, but Berry kept pace and during the dying minutes took his chance.

The latter was lucky enough to find a doubling up wave and let his fins glide free to earn a 6.90 (out of 10 points).

With the score, Berry was able to turn the heat and secure his first ever QS victory.

It was both Huxtable and Berry’s best ever result in a QS5000 event.

Fellow Jan Juc surfer Tully Wylie secured a 25th at the event after bowing out in the Round of 32.

The runner-up finish at Cloud 9 now puts Huxtable in a strong position to qualify for his first WSL Challenger Series.

If he can secure strong results throughout the remainder of the season, he will become just the third Victorian to make the jump.

Tully Wylie and Ellie Harrison both made the cut last year and will be hoping to repeat their feat.