The final day of competition saw the best junior surfers in the world tested in solid and unruly six-to-eight foot surf at Jinzun Harbour as the cream rose to the top on a historic day of competition. Tsuzuki overcoming tough opposition in Californian Alyssa Spencer in the final.
Tsuzuki made history yesterday, becoming the first-ever Japanese WSL World Surfing Champion, posting huge scores all event on her way to the final where she came up against Alyssa Spencer. Unlike her earlier heats on Final's Day, Tsuzuki controlled the final heat in its entirety, finding two rights early to post a two-wave combination 13.00 (out of a possible 20) which ended up being enough to gift her the World Title trophy.
"I'm so extremely happy right now," - Tsuzuki said.
"It's all very overwhelming for me. It's been such an incredible event with so many different conditions I really enjoy surfing here in Taiwan. Today was really challenging with big waves and water moving everywhere, but I was so focused on not giving up and it worked for me in the end. I'm just so happy."
Not only has Amuro Tsuzuki made history at the Taiwan Open of Surfing but she is a few days away from learning if she will join the elite Women's Championship Tour in 2020. Tsuzuki needs a few things to go her way at the Lululemon Maui Pro this week but her grit and determination shown on Finals Day was proof enough that she would fit in well amongst the world's best. This was personified in her Semifinal heat where, after paddling against sets for nearly 15 minutes, she got out the back exhausted and needing a score, she then turned around, took off on a set and landed the turn of the event on a massive and critical closeout section to post a 9.27 and claim a spot in the final.
"I knew I needed to throw everything at that turn so I did and when I rode out of it I was so excited," Tsuzuki continued. "I can't do anything about my spot next year but wait and watch the results in Maui. Regardless of what happens, I'm so happy with my achievements this year."