Amuro Tsuzuki became the first Japanese surfer to reach a podium in a women's Challenger Series event on Monday when the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist finished third in the Corona Saquarema Pro in Brazil.
Tsuzuki defeated Brazilian Summer Macedo to reach her first semifinal in the series which serves as a pathway to place in the sport's premier competition, the Championship Tour.
The 21-year-old lost 14.60-12.56 to eventual winner Alyssa Spencer of the United States in their semifinal but was more than satisfied with her performances.
"I want to praise my ability to bring out my best throughout the heats," said Tsuzuki, who scored 7.23 with her best semifinal wave but saw her score topped by an 8.67 from Spencer.
"I was able to be level-headed in the heat. I wanted to win the title but am really happy to get third."
The result puts Tsuzuki into 13th place in this season's women's Challenger Series rankings, with the top five qualifying for next season's Championship Tour.
She has a chance to improve her ranking at the final event of the season, the Haleiwa Challenger, which starts Nov. 26 in Hawaii.
