JAN JUC surfer Xavier Huxtable has shot to second on the Australia\/Oceania World Qualifying Series rankings after a huge result in the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Huxtable secured a runner-up finish at the Siargao International Surfing Cup QS5000 last week at Cloud 9.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A grandstand finish was assured for the event final with Huxtable pitted against good friend and fellow Australian Oscar Berry.<\/p>\n
Huxtable led for the majority of the matchup, but Berry kept pace and during the dying minutes took his chance.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
With the score, Berry was able to turn the heat and secure his first ever QS victory.<\/p>\n
It was both Huxtable and Berry’s best ever result in a QS5000 event.<\/p>\n
Fellow Jan Juc surfer Tully Wylie secured a 25th at the event after bowing out in the Round of 32.<\/p>\n
The runner-up finish at Cloud 9 now puts Huxtable in a strong position to qualify for his first WSL Challenger Series.<\/p>\n
If he can secure strong results throughout the remainder of the season, he will become just the third Victorian to make the jump.<\/p>\n
Tully Wylie and Ellie Harrison both made the cut last year and will be hoping to repeat their feat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n