Portuguese surfer Teresa Bonvalot wins Ballito Pro title

Published Jul 18, 09:10 AM UTC

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Portuguese surfer Teresa Bonvalot won the Ballito Pro, the opening stage of the 2026 Challenger Series circuit, held in South Africa. She defeated fellow Portuguese surfer Francisca 'Kika' Veselko in a historic all-Portuguese final, scoring 10.33 points to Veselko's 9.10 in challenging sea conditions. This marks Bonvalot's second career victory in the Challenger Series, following her 2022 win in Sydney. The 26-year-old now leads the women's ranking, positioning herself strongly for qualification to next year's World Tour. Veselko, who currently holds 23rd place on the elite World Tour, took second place in the Ballito event as she seeks to requalify through the Challenger Series.

Source report

Teresa Bonvalot claimed victory at the Ballito Pro this Saturday, the opening stage of the 2026 Challenger Series circuit held in South Africa. Bonvalot secured another career triumph in a historic all-Portuguese final against Francisca Veselko.

With the sea offering limited opportunities to both surfers, Bonvalot was more active in seeking waves. After a balanced duel, she managed to score 10.33 points, compared to Veselko's 9.10.

Career Milestone

The 26-year-old Teresa won the second stage of her career on this circuit, having been the first Portuguese woman to do so in 2022 in Sydney. Kika Veselko and Yolanda Hopkins had also won a stage last year.

Ranking Implications

Following the triumph in what was the first all-Portuguese final in the Challenger Series, Teresa Bonvalot took the lead in the women's ranking, positioning herself strongly for qualification to next year's world circuit.

Meanwhile, Kika Veselko, who qualified for the World Tour last year, now holds second place in the ranking. Despite being part of the women's elite world tour—where she currently sits in 23rd and last place after six stages—Kika was already present in Ballito to attempt requalification through this circuit.

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Source

RecordRegional

Original headline: <![CDATA[ Teresa Bonvalot vence Ballito Pro ]]>

Original language: PT-PT

Part of this Story

Portuguese Surfers Compete in Ballito Pro 2026 Challenger Series in South Africa

See the full Story: all sources and camp coverage

People and interests

Portugal South Africa