Yolanda Hopkins upsets World No. 3 Gabriela Bryan to reach WSL Championship Tour Philippines Pro quarterfinals

Manila Times - Oct 31, 2026

MANILA, Philippines —  World No. 14 Yolanda Hopkins pulled off a major reversal, knocking out World No. 3 Gabriela Bryan to advance to the quarterfinals of the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at the iconic Cloud 9 reef break in Siargao on Saturday. Hopkins came through in Heat 2 of the women's competition, posting a combined score of 10.10 from waves worth 5.27 and 4.83 to eliminate the highly-ranked American and arrange a quarterfinal showdown with World No. 6 Caitlin Simmers in the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with the support of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga. Bryan, finished ninth with a total of 7.00, combining scores of 4.00 and 3.00 to collect 2,000 championship points. The competition unfolded under four- to six-foot waves, giving the world's best surfers challenging conditions to display their skills, while calm winds helped maintain a steady lineup. Also making her way into the quarterfinals was Simmers, who dominated fellow American and World No. 11 Caroline Marks in their opening-round encounter. Simmers posted an impressive 15.17 on a 9.00 and a 6.17. Marks could only managed 9.00 from waves scoring 5.50 and...

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