Jacob Willcox’s star on the rise with Portugal result pushing him up World Surf League rankings

Margaret River could see two local heroes competing on the Championship Tour at next year’s Pro.

A good result in Portugal from Margaret River charger Jacob Willcox puts the veteran surfer in a good spot for qualifying for next year’s World Surf League CT alongside fellow local surfer Jack Robinson.

Women’s representative Bronte Macaulay was also vying for a good finish with two more events planned on the Challenger Series surf calendar which gives ousted surfers the chance to qualify for the top game.

These efforts come as WSL moves to highlight focus on the lesser-known Challenger Series, following moves it confirmed last month to reintroduce the contentious mid year cut for the top men and women at the Margaret River Pro.

Willcox scored an equal fifth finish at Ericiera in Portugal at the weekend.

The top result moved Willcox up 12 places in the Challenger Series rankings, put him into the 11th spot and within spitting distance of the much-needed qualification.

In September, the WSL confirmed the return of the mid year cut which throws additional attention on the Margaret River contest.

After Margaret River, the 36 male and 18 female competitors will be reduced to 24 men and 12 women.