Francisca Veselko was crowned champion of the QS3000 in Taghazout, Morocco, this Wednesday. The Portuguese surfer gave a surfing recital throughout the event, which featured excellent conditions on the famous right-hander at Anchor Point and finished on the highest spot on the podium.
With a performance based on several excellent waves throughout all the rounds in which she competed, Kika ended up securing a sweeping victory, giving her competition no chance. It was Veselko’s second career victory in European QS events, after winning the QS1000 in Lacanau in 2022.
On the final day of the Moroccan event, which counted simultaneously for the European and African qualification rankings, the 21-year-old surfer from Carcavelos started by beating South African Louise Lepront, with a score of 16.83 to 16.27.
After a heat in which she achieved two excellent scores, Kika raised the bar even further by beating Israeli Anat Lelior in the semifinals, with 16.23 points, with a score of 9.50 in the middle, against 13.66 from her opponent.
The final took place in the afternoon and after a break in the competition, but Kika didn’t lose her rhythm. In a one-way competition, she scored 16.84 points, with two more excellent scores (8.67 and 8.17) to leave Basque Janire Etxabarri Gonzalez in combination, with just 5.33 points.
An undisputed triumph, in a competition in which Francisca Veselko dominated from the first to the last heat. With this triumph, Kika guarantees a rise to second place in the European rankings, behind only the Frenchwoman Tya Zebrowski, and with her entry into the 2025 Challenger Series circuit practically assured.
Also noteworthy is Mafalda Lopes‘ 9th-place finish in the Moroccan race and Teresa Bonvalot’s 13th. In the men’s event, the best Portuguese was the national champion, Guilherme Ribeiro, in 13th place, followed by Luís Perloiro, in 25th place overall.
The 2024/25 European circuit will have a final stop in Costa de Caparica, from April 15 to 19, for what will be the event that will define all the European spots for this year’s Challenger Series circuit, where qualification for next year’s World Surf League world circuit will be at stake.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok and see the exclusive content for social networks.
