Argentine Catalina Mercere made her last-minute entrance into the WSL Junior World Championships after Peruvian Daniella Rosas refused to qualify for the tournament taking place in Taiwan from December 1 to 9, at exactly the same time as the Pan American Surfing Championships, where Daniella was called to be a member of the local team, the president of the Argentine Surfing Association, Alfredo Tortora, told DUKE.

Mercere shot up the South American rankings after winning the final stage of the tour held in the waves of Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil. He finished third in the rankings, behind Sol Aguirre and Rosas. Since Rosas will not be going, Mercere was left with a spot in the order, which he did not waste.

Speaking to DUKE, Mercere said: “I am super happy and excited to participate in this year’s Pro Junior World Final in Taiwan,” and added: “It is a unique opportunity to be able to show my surfing and do what I like and am passionate about. I have been training throughout the year physically and mentally and now is the time to show it. I feel super prepared and eager to compete. I hope to be able to release my surfing and make it to the final, flying the flag high.”

Related reading: Daniella's dilemma

The four best men and two best women from South America travel to the Junior World Championships, which are determined through regional tournaments in the region. The best juniors in the world meet there and determine the annual world champion.

On the men's side, the Peruvians Jhonny Corzo and Raúl Ríos and the Brazilians Samuel Pupo and Eduardo Motta were guaranteed.

For the first time in history, the championship will be held on the waves of Jinzun Harbor, Taiwan, joining the tournament with a festival that includes the longboard world championship (which takes place before).