Drama unfolds on Day 2 in Praia Grande as the title race intensifies and top contenders rise.
Sintra, Portugal – September 4, 2025
The Sintra Bodyboard Pro Fest 25 delivered a dramatic second day at Praia Grande, with the men’s open division producing one of the biggest shocks of the event so far: the early elimination of Brazil’s Uri Valadão, a four-time Sintra champion, former world titleholder, and current IBC rankings leader.
Valadão fell short in his Round 3 heat, eliminated by France’s Louka Zaninotto (15.50 pts) and Chile’s Cristobal Paoa (12.90 pts), finishing third with 12.75 pts. The result ends the Brazilian’s campaign in Sintra and throws the men’s title race wide open.
Meanwhile, defending world champion Armide Soliveres (Canary Islands) secured his spot in the next round with 12.50 pts, while France’s Pierre Louis Costes (PLC) confirmed his status as the man to beat, posting 13.50 pts to win his heat in dominant fashion as he chases a record fifth Sintra crown.
“This event means a lot to me. I feel at home here, and it’s incredible to have the support of the Portuguese crowd,” said Costes, who has lived in Portugal for nearly 15 years. “I know I have a chance to write my name further into this event’s history. For me now, finishing second no longer matters. Winning is the only goal. That said, a victory here won’t give me any advantage for Fronton, which is a completely different wave and a separate battle.”
Soliveres echoed his determination:
“I love coming here. I managed to get through my heat despite the tough conditions. I also saw that Uri was eliminated, so now we all head to Fronton on equal footing. But here in Sintra, I really want to make the final.”
For the Portuguese athletes, Francisco Ferreira delivered one of the standout local performances, advancing with 12.85 pts in Heat 7. However, Ricardo Rosmaninho (11.75 pts) and Rodrigo Lopes (11.00 pts) both bowed out in tightly contested heats, narrowing the home nation’s chances in the men’s draw.
On the women’s side, Portugal remains strongly represented, with Luana Dourado, Mariana Silva, Alice Teotónio, Joana Schenker, Filipa Broeiro, and Teresa Padrela all progressing into the later rounds.
With Valadão’s elimination, the race for the Sintra title is wide open, and the competition promises more drama in the days ahead.
Fans can follow the Sintra Bodyboard Pro Fest 25 live via webcast on the official website: IBC World Tour, and across the IBC’s social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Highlights are also available on Bola TV.
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