KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) – Malaysia made waves on the 4th Asian Surfing Federation (ASF) Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram, India, with 16-year-old Lucas Santiago Wehle delivering an early highlight for the national squad.
Lucas, competing in the Open Men’s division combined precision wave selection with sharp, technical turns to post a heat-winning 11.37 points (best two waves), thus earned himself a direct slot into Round 3, bypassing the elimination rounds
“I just focused on the best waves and tried to stay loose. It’s amazing to surf here and represent Malaysia,” said Wehle in a statement, today.
Meanwhile, veteran surfer, Mohd Nazrin Nasruddin, better known as “Yen”, posted 8.40 points to finish second in his heat behind India’s Kishore Kumar (12.17) and will fight for a Round 3 berth in the elimination heats.
Muhamad Nor Afiq Haikal (“Kal”) placed third in a challenging heat, setting up a high-stakes elimination against teammate, Yen, Tsung-Lin Han from Taiwan and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Alizada.
The statement said that Malaysia also debuted in the Open Female category with Nurain Mat Isa, Tun Athirah Shah Norazhar and Mona Rasidah Abdul Rashid, with each placing third in their heats to advance to Elimination Round 2, keeping Malaysia’s hopes alive on both fronts.
“The competition here in Mahabalipuram is incredibly strong. We’re facing some of the best surfers from Asia’s powerhouse nations, and every heat is a test of skill, strategy, and composure.
“But our athletes have trained well. I believe they’ll be able to showcase not just their skills, but also the spirit and determination of Malaysian surfing,” said head coach Muhammad Muttakin Talib.
All eyes are on Lucas next as he begins his Junior Under-18 campaign tomorrow (Aug 6), where he will face surfers from India and Lebanon.
The championship, featuring athletes from over 20 nations, is taking place from Aug 3-12 at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
— BERNAMA
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