Ecuadorian Dominic “Mimi” Barona is the new South American of the WSL, the organization announced yesterday in an official press release. No matter what the result of the final stage in Punta de Lobos between November 1 and 3, she is already the owner of the South American cup.

This is the second regional title of the year for the Montañita native (she won the Latin American tour in advance) and the second WSL title of her career, Barona had won that edition of the event in 2011. This year's title has its own special touch because it was the most competitive South American QS tour in history with nine stages.

Barona won three, placed second in one and third in another of the five events that count towards the final ranking. With 4310 points, her closest rival, Melanie Giunta (who has 3260) cannot reach her even if she wins and Barona obtains a bad result.

Punta de Lobos dresses up for a party again
This Friday, the Maui and Sons Pichilemu Women's Pro, QS 1500 begins in Punta de Lobos, taking some of the best surfers from South America and the world to one of the most incredible left-hand waves on the planet and which is now celebrating its fifth edition.

Previous champions of the Mauo and Sons Pichilemu Women's Pro
2017: Leilani McGonagle (CRI) defeated Freya Prumm (AUS) in the final
2016: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) defeated Leilani McGonagle (CRI)
2015: Alessa Quizon (HAW) defeated Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
2014: Dax McGill (HAW) defeated Josefina Ané (ARG)

Top 10 of the South American ranking of the WSL South America after eight tests
01: Dominic Barona (ECU) – 4.310 points
02: Melanie Giunta (PER) – 3.260
03: Monik Santos (BRA) – 2.920
04: Camila Cassia (BRA) – 2.260
05: Tainá Hinckel (BRA) – 2.190
06: Yanca Costa (BRA) – 2.140
07: Karol Ribeiro (BRA) – 2.100
08: Anali Gomez (PER) – 2.060
09: Lucia Indurain (ARG) – 2.000
10: Josefina Ané (ARG) – 2.230

WSL SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONS:
2018: Dominic Barona (ECU) two-time champion
2017: Anali Gomez (PER) three-time champion
2016: Nathalie Martins (BRA)
2015: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) two-time champion
2014: Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
2013: Anali Gomez (PER) two-time champion
2012: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
2011: Dominic Barona (ECU)
2010: Anali Gomez (PER)
2009: Taís de Almeida (BRA)
2008: Silvana Lima (BRA) two-time champion
2007: Silvana Lima (BRA)

WSL SOUTH AMERICA WOMEN'S SCHEDULE IN 2018:
01: Mar 10-11 – Dominic Barona (ECU) won the QS 1000 Copa Triathlon Sport Reef Pro in Peru
02: Mar 27-01 – Dominic Barona (ECU) two-time champion at the QS 1000 Rip Curl Pro Argentina
03: May 21-26 – Autumn Hays (USA) won the QS 1500 Heroes de Mayo Iquique Pro in Chile
04: Jul 21-22 – Dominic Barona (ECU) won the QS 1000 Neutrox Weekend in Brazil
05: Sept 28-30 – Monik Santos (BRA) won the QS 1000 Neutrox Weekend in Brazil
06: Oct 05-07 – Melanie Giunta (PER) won the QS 1500 São Chico ECO Festival in Brazil
07: Oct 11-14 – Melanie Giunta (PER) won the QS 1000 Reef Paris Peñascal Pro in Peru
08: Oct 18-21 – Josefina Ané (ARG) won the QS 1000 Itacaré Surf Music in Brazil
09: Nov 01-03 – QS 1500 Maui and Sons Pichilemu Women's Pro by Royal Guard in Chile

Cover photo: Barona in Japan, by ISA/Sean Evans