- Indian Surfers Battle Hard as Japan’s Best Advance to the Quarter Finals and Pro Junior Semi-Finals
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India — August 13, 2026: Day 2 of the Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior delivered another day of high-quality surfing at Mahabalipuram Beach, with the competition intensifying across the Men’s and Women’s QS 2000 and the Women’s Pro Junior divisions.
In the Men’s QS 2000, Japan continued its strong run, with Ryuichi Inoue (JPN) producing the highest score of the Round of 32 with 13.17, while Taro Matsuno (JPN) narrowly won his heat with 12.33, edging Korea’s Kanoa Hee-Jae (KOR) by just 0.03 points. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) also secured a closely fought heat win with 11.53, finishing just 0.06 points ahead of compatriot Ren Okano (JPN). India’s Kishore Kumar (IND) put up a strong fight in Round 32, scoring 10.00 to finish second in his heat and advance to the Round of 16.
The Round of 16 saw Japan’s Shohei Kato (JPN) deliver one of the day’s standout performances with a 14.50, the highest score of the round. Ikko Watanabe (JPN) followed with 12.73, while Tenshi Iwami (JPN) scored 13.90 to win Heat 3. Korea’s Kanoa Hee-Jae (KOR) also advanced after posting 11.50 to edge Japan’s Yuma Nagasawa (JPN). India’s Kishore Kumar narrowly missed out on advancing to the quarter-finals after scoring 9.13 in his Round of 16 heat.
In the Women’s QS 2000, Japan dominated the Round of 16, with Mirai Ikeda (JPN) posting the highest score of 13.60, followed by Sara Wakita (JPN) with 13.17. Shino Matsuda (JPN) scored 11.40, while Arisa Ishii (JPN) recorded 11.20 to advance. India’s Sugar Banarse (IND) and Kamali P (IND) battled strongly in their respective heats, while Kamali narrowly missed advancing after scoring 5.10.
The Women’s Pro Junior Quarter Finals also produced impressive performances as Japan’s young surfers continued to lead the field. Anri Matsuno (JPN) posted the highest score of the round with an outstanding 14.00, while Mirai Ikeda (JPN) scored 12.67 to win her quarter-final. Hinano Shimizu (JPN) advanced with 10.34, while Thailand’s Isabel Higgs (THA) secured a closely contested heat with 8.26, edging Japan’s Rita Suzuki (JPN). India’s Kamali P (IND) put up a determined performance in her quarter-final, scoring 5.73.
With the competition now reaching towards the end, the Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior heads into its decisive stages, with surfers battling for valuable Asia Region ranking points and crucial international experience. The remaining rounds are expected to deliver more high-intensity action as the field narrows towards the finals.
The Shore Temple Classic is organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association (TNSA), sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL).
The event is proudly supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) as government sponsors, and TT Group as the principal sponsor. Bisleri is the official Hydration Partner of the event. Marmoris Lounge and Sea Breeze Resort serve as the official Venue Partners, with Madras Chronicle Bay Resort & Spa and Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram as the official Hospitality Partners. Chettinad Health City is the official Medical Partner for the event.
