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Photo: WSL / ANDREW NICHOLS
The QS Essential Costa Rica Surf Pro came to an end this Sunday, October 7 in Jaco Beach with Costa Rican Carlos “Cali” Muñoz and German Rachel Presti as the champions.
Rachel Presti faced Californian Tia Blanco in the final and took the first place with a score of 15.60 over Blanco’s 6.93. With this win the German earned the 1500 points in play and a prize of $6,000.00 while Blanco took home $3,000.00 and 1125 points.
In the male division, Costa Rica showed a great level and talent in the figures of Cali Muñoz, Jairo Perez and Noe Mar McGonagle, the three ticos made it to the semifinals, McGonagle faced Perez and went on to the final with a score of 16.23 over 10.63 of Perez, while Muñoz went on against Peruvian Lucca Mesinas and defeated him 14.23 over Mesinas’ 12.60. The final then saw two Costa Ricans come face to face and it was Muñoz who took the first position with 14.23 points, McGonagle came close behind with a 13.30.
“At home there’s always and good extra pressure that at the same time its a motivation. I was surfing a lot this waves the week before the event and that helped me win. Having this win at home is a great satisfaction, and an incredible motivation that many young surfers could compete”, commented Carlos Muñoz.
This is the second-career qualifying victory for Muñoz who took the $10,000.00 cash prize and earned the 1500 points.
“This is incredible for the younger kids, especially sponsorship wise as it’s really tough to get that support here, so for them to get some points here and try to make it out in the world isn’t easy but this makes it possible,” stated McGonagle. “I’m super stoked and thankful, now it’s time to get ready for Hawaii”, concluded the tico.