Randhaa Raalhugandu event: Junior surfers now chosen to battle in semi

Junior category surfers who will compete in the semifinals of the Dhivehi Surf League 2024's Randhaa Raalhugandu event have now been chosen.

Yoosuf Kayan Hamdan Zaki and Mohamed Inan Abdul Hannan are matched for the first heat while Kayan Abdulla Areef and Yasin Ahmed Nashid are set to battle in the second heat.

Seven junior surfers had joined the Randhaa Raalhugandu event commenced on Tuesday where the quarterfinals alongside the first and second round heats were concluded.

Inan and Kayan Zaki had clinched the first heat and advanced directly to the quarter finals while Kayan Areef and Yasin secured the second heat.

During the second round, Sayyid Salahudheen and Ahmed Luzain secured slots at the quarterfinals.

Inan emerged in first place during the first quarterfinal heat with 13.77 points while Yasin, who beat Sayyid, the defending champion to collect 12.17 points claimed second place.

Kayan Areef had amassed 10 points at the second quarterfinal heat with Kayan Zaki scoring 8.53 and Luzain, 7.60.

The Men's Open, with performances from 26 surfers in the first and second round heats were also proceeded yesterday.

Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) reached their decision to host the tournament at Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo located north of capital Male' after annulling the initial arrangement of hosting the 'Gaamadhoo Kolhu' event at Kaafu atoll Himmafushi also situated in central Maldives.

The Randhaa Raalhugandu heats this year marks the second instance of Thulusdhoo hosting a league event. The reigning champion of the event's men's open is the most accomplished local surfer, Hussain Areef (Ibu) who, after clinching several championships now guides the national surfing team as their coach.

Four events are arranged for the league this year with the 'Kalhegalekodaa' tournament hosted in Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo and 'Muleekolhu Raalhugandu' event in Meemu atoll Muli concluded successfully before the Asian Surfing League that closed on August 24.

The concluding event of this Surfing League, 'Rannamaari Challenge' is set to be held in the Male' City Raalhugandu area from October 27 through November 2.