Foreign bets rule kiteboard's tour leg

MANILA, Philippines - Kiteboarders from Europe topped the Philippine leg of the first-ever Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) held recently in the beach island of Boracay.

Leading the charge in the men’s freestyle were Robin Snuggs of the United Kingdom, and Frenchmen Mallory De Villamarque and Florian Daubos.

Topping the women’s division are Kathrin Bogwardt of Germany, and Carla Delmoral and Nuria Goma of Spain, who also all won in the women’s course racing.

Asians displayed their mettle as they ruled the men’s course racing with Turkish Taner Aykurt, Lithuanian Deivis Maciulis, and Thai Narapichit “Yo” Pudla capturing the top three posts.

Rounding up the winning roster are Angel Parzhuber (Germany), Tony Heiss (Germany), and Bobo Corniel; and Candice Shedley (Canada), Lizel Tio (Philippines), Jannika Stav (Norway), who won in the men’s and women’s speed category, respectively.

Meanwhile, local favorite Ken Nacor of Cabrinha Boracay emerged third placer in the overall standing after four legs of the KTA.

The Philippine leg is organized by Hangin Kite Center and the Philippine Windsurfing Association, and supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Sports Commission, Province of Aklan, Municipality of Malay, Rudy Project, Stoked Inc., Seair, Boracay Beach Resort, Cabrinha and North Kiteboarding, Ion Essentials, Boracay Kite Resort, Boracay Windsports Association, Blood Red, and ANC.

The event, which gathered 59 racers from 22 countries, has toured China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, the Philippines and concludes in Thailand on March 25-28.

KTA is the world’s third largest kiteboard tour and provides Asian-based competitors to be at par with the world’s best.

According to event organizer Nenette Aguirre-Graf, the country’s hosting recognized the huge potential of the sport in the country. She added that Boracay is the pioneer and preferred site of international enthusiasts because of its world-class equipment and training programs, ideal winds, and clear waters.

For details, visit www.kiteboardtour.asia.