The 2020 World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS) is set to commence at the perfect lefthander of Riyue Bay on the Island of Hainan, China, for the Corona Open China hosted by Wanning.
The long lefts of Riyue Bay will play host to a solid group of QS surfers this January. - WSL / Bennett
The combined men's and women's QS5,000 event is expected to see over 200 competitors from all around the globe, dueling it out for important qualifying points as they look to secure a place on the elite WSL Championship Tour. Some of surfing's elite level competitors including Joan Duru, Leonardo Fioravanti and Paige Hareb have already entered the 2020 event.
"WSL is extremely excited to be returning to Hainan Island in China to kick start the 2020 WSL QS season," said WSL Asia Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark. "The World Surf League has a great history of running fantastic events in China and the Corona Open China hosted by Wanning will be no exception. An event of this size will see an impressive field of international surfers descend on the area.''
Paige Hareb is just one of the elite level competitors that has entered the Corona Open China in 2020. - WSL / Will H-S
The Corona Open China hosted by Wanning marks a return to China for the WSL, who last ran an event in the region in 2017.
"Wanning is so excited to welcome the World Surf League back in 2020," said Mayor Zhou of Wanning. "Wanning, on the island of Hainan is in a beautiful location that provides excellent weather and waves for surfers to enjoy. The Corona Open China hosted by Wanning is a very important event for Wanning and we're excited about the potential growth for this event for many years to come."
Walter Sun, Brand Director at Corona in China added, "Corona has been a proud partner of the WSL since 2015 and is thrilled to be the title sponsor of the event at Riyue Bay. We look forward to expanding on our global involvement with surf through this amazing event in China".
The 2020 Corona Open China hosted by Wanning will run from January 6 - 12 and be broadcast live on www.worldsurfleague.com and on the free WSL App.