Esquivel third in Huntington

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino surfer Rogelio “JayR” Esquivel’s California dream run came to close with an memorable third-place finish in the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic of the Wallex US Open in Huntington Beach Pier Sunday.

The Southeast Asian Games silver medalist from San Juan, La Union was shown the door by American Kaniela Stewart in Heat 2 of the semifinals, 16.10-14.87, ending what could have been a fairy tale ending for the former.

Stewart ended up winning it all by beating former three-time world longboard king Taylor Jensen also of the United States, 15.73-12.43.

And it could have been Esquivel if he found a way to hurdle Stewart.

Despite the heartbreaking ending, Esquivel has shown he belongs with the big boys after beating some of the big guns of the circuit.

It included the US’ Richie Cravey, whom Esquivel stunned to make it this far, as well veteran tour campaigner Brian Skinner of the United Kingdom along with Tony Silvagni and Kevin Skvarna.

It was another solid performance from Esquivel after he topped the Padrol Longboard Classic in Bali, Indonesia recently.

Esquivel is still hopeful he could nail a spot to next year’s Championship Tour.