Salvadoran surfer Sindy Portillo qualified for the third round of the 2023 Surf City ISA World Longboard Surfing Championship that takes place at El Sunzal beach by placing second in her heat.
The woman from Miguel showed confidence and tranquility by riding an almost perfect wave minutes before the end and thus adding 9.34 points, appropriating second place and her pass to the next round. At the end of her competition, Portillo was received with cheers and applause that made her even more emotional.
“I feel super happy because yesterday I went to round two, today I managed to qualify for the next one and it’s something nice. I had never been received at the end of a competition with so much support, I love that and it encourages me to keep fighting, I am enjoying being part of this world championship and I want to go all the way,” said Sindy.
When questioning Portillo about what was the key to continuing in the competition, the Las Flores beach native added that patience to wait for the right wave was the main thing.
“The key to getting the points we need is patience, not taking any wave, but the one I knew would give me the points to continue. And, of course, the support of the beautiful people who have come to support us. I managed to catch the exact waves and I achieved the objective”, stated Portillo.
The Salvadoran will compete tomorrow in the first heat of the third round, in which she will face the Japanese Hiroka Yoshikawa, as well as Chloe Calmon (Brazil) and Tarry King (South Africa).
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Amado de Jesús Alvarado won his repechage heat and advanced to the second round to be held tomorrow. While the national Gerardo Castro was ranked third in his heat, but this position did not reach him and he was eliminated.
For Alvarado, who had to suffer a setback on the first day of competition, vindicating himself and advancing to the second round by winning first place in his heat today with 10.66 points motivates him to prepare and make a presentation that will keep him competitive.
“The waves are better, the sea conditions were in my favor. That and the support of the fans who encouraged me at all times was important. I listened as the fans mentioned my name and applauded, I took advantage of every opportunity to score points and confirm myself in first place”, expressed Amado.
Of course, yesterday’s result marked the emotional state of the athlete, so the objective for today was clear from the beginning and was to win his pass to the next round.
“Yesterday I expected the result to be achieved, but it did not happen, it was not gratifying to finish third, but I knew that this day was final to continue in the competition or be left out of this party. I have to add that at times I trust myself and that took its toll on me,” said Amado de Jesús.
In the second round of repechage, Amado will see action in heat three where he will face Samuel Dunton, from Australia and two more surfers to be defined.
