Ang Filipino professional surfer na si John Mark Tokong mula sa Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte ang kauna-unahang Pinoy surfer na nag-qualify sa 2023 World Surf League Challenger Series (2023 WSL CS).
Sa inilabas na pahayag last March 27, 2023, sinabi ng United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA) na si John Mark, mas kilala sa tawag na Marama, ay sasabak laban sa pinakamahuhusay na professional surfers mula sa iba’t ibang bansa sa 2023 WSL CS.
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Ang Event No. 1 ng 2023 WSL CS ay gaganapin mula May 1-13 sa Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Ang Event No. 2 ay gaganapin naman mula May 17-24 sa Sydney.
Ayon sa UPSA, “The surfers who are part of this top tier league will then compete for points to join the world’s surfing elite, the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.”
Kung lulusot si Marama sa 2023 WSL CS, makalalahok naman siya sa WSL Championship Tour.
Nakatakda namang ganapin ang WSL championship tour ngayong darating na June sa El Salvador at Brazil.
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Naging matagumpay si Marama sa ginanap na 2023 White Buffalo Hyuga Pro tourney, isang WSL Qualifying Series 3000 event na ginanap sa Okuragahama Beach sa Japan from March 2 to 5.
Kasalukuyan siyang No. 4 sa ranking ng WSL Asia Regional Ranking.
March 28, matapos ang anunsiyo ng UPSA ay nag-post si Marama sa kanyang Facebook account.
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Aniya, “Just wanna say thank you for all the messages and support.
“I have been dreaming of moving up from the Qualifying series since the beginning and we have made it after all the hard work and strong foundation with an excellent support team!
“I’m ready for the Challenger Series and excited to be the first Filipino to bring our country to the CS events!
“One step at a time!”