DAY 2 AT THE EVERYDAY MEHDYA, MOROCCO

Wednesday, August 13, Mehdia Beach, Kenitra, Morocco.

At 10:30 a.m. local time, the second day of the Junior Men Rising Series Everyday Mehdya competition in Morocco kicked off.

After day one, only 24 athletes remain in the running, so today’s a big one if you want to make the finals.

Another sunny day on the gorgeous Mehdya beach, with waves resembling yesterday’s, as the athletes put on a high level again in front of a big crowd.

Today they held rounds 2 and 3, so the best surfers have qualified for the quarterfinals.

ROUND 2

This round consists of 6 heats with 4 competitors each, and only the top 2 advance directly to round 3.

The first matchup of the day was tight, with local rider Ahejjam Badr-Eddine edging out Frenchman Yohann Bachelard by just 0.80 points. Both advanced.

A showdown between Moroccans saw Momou Hamza stand out with a big total of 13.25 points. His countryman Laabi Sami also did well and qualified.

Two Spaniards and two Moroccans faced off in the third heat. Ethan Pérez showed again he’s in great shape and moved on first with 13.25 points; Tarfaoui Souhail was just 0.40 behind for second.

Spanish rider Unax Pascual took first in a tight heat, with Moroccan Agouzul Abdelkarim advancing second by just 0.45.

Néstor Reyes from the Canary Islands again showed his best form, winning with 13 points. Moroccan rider Chahid Ayoub came in second.

The last heat of the round was dominated by local riders, with Adam Moutouakil in first place again delivering a strong performance, followed closely by Yassine Hajji, both moving on.

ROUND 3

Round 3 features 12 athletes who race in heats of 3; the top 2 advance to the quarterfinals.

Spanish rider Ethan Pérez again wins his heat. Moroccan Sami Laabi is second, and Ahejjam Badr-Eddine is eliminated.

Hamza Momou from Morocco again takes the win, signaling his title bid. Frenchman Yohann Bachelard comes in second, just 0.15 behind Tarfaoui Souhail who missed his goal.

Once more Unax Pascual puts in a great effort, scoring a high 15 points and advances as the winner. Moroccan Chaid Ayoub makes the cut, knocking out his compatriot Moutouakil Adam.

The day’s final heat was spectacular: Moroccan Agouzul Abdelkarim posted the day’s best score, 15.65, showing he’s a real title threat in Mehdya. Spanish Néstor Reyes finishes second with an incredible run, and local favorite Hajji Yassine exits to cheers.