Japan dominates Shore Temple Classic as India's challenge ends at Mahabalipuram

On Friday, August 14, 2026, at Mahabalipuram beach during the World Surf League Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior (JQS), Japan dominated the third day of competition and India's challenge ended when the host nation's remaining surfers failed to advance.

Kishore Kumar and Sheik Davudh, the last Indian competitors, were eliminated from their Pro Junior quarterfinal heats, while weather conditions remained benign with no rain or cloudy skies throughout the day.

All eight Pro Junior semifinal places were taken by Japanese surfers: Ren Okano, Taro Takai, Raimu Yamamoto, Ikko Watanabe, Yuma Nagasawa, Taro Matsuno, Taki Kanazawa, and Sentaro Sakai. Sentaro Sakai progressed to the semifinals in both the Open men’s and Pro Junior classes.

In the Open men’s competition Shohei Kato (14.50), Tenshi Iwami (14.17), Watanabe (13.16), and Sakai (12.17) advanced to the next round, producing an all-Japanese line-up for the semifinals in that division.

Thailand’s Isabel Higgs was the only non-Japanese surfer across the event’s categories to reach a semifinal. Higgs defeated Hinano Shimizu, who scored 10.43, with an 11.04 and subsequently secured a place in the Open women’s final.

Mirai Ikeda is the Open women’s finalist who awaits Higgs in the decider. With Japanese surfers occupying all Pro Junior semifinal slots and the Open men’s semis, Higgs will attempt to prevent a Japanese sweep in the remaining matches.

Higgs versus Mirai Ikeda in the Open women’s final is the next confirmed fixture, while the Open men’s and Pro Junior semifinals will determine whether Japan completes a clean run through the remaining stages.