Dutch, Turkish champs in ICTSI kiteboarding

MANILA, Philippines — Mariska Wildenberg of the Netherlands and Turkey’s Ilhan Aykurt emerged as standout performers with awe-inspiring kiteboarding prowess in the final leg of the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour at the Aqua Resort in Bulabog Beach, Boracay over the weekend.

Wildenberg, a prominent qualifier for this year’s Worlds and Europeans, and Aykurt captivated both spectators and judges with their remarkable tricks, spins and flips as the dynamic duo clinched the top honors in the Freestyle event, marking the conclusion of an exhilarating Season 9 that unfolded across premier kiteboarding venues in the country.

Wildenberg continued to make waves by dominating the women’s side of the Masters division while Stefan Vance claimed the top spot in the men’s category. The duo also reigned supreme in the Foil Racing class, displaying their expertise and dominance in various kiteboarding disciplines.

Local talent Dilbert Bayog and Triina Trei of Estonia, on the other hand, flashed their aerial prowess in the Hangtime category, staying airborne for remarkable durations. Bayog secured victory with an impressive 6.44 seconds while Trei took the ladies’ crown with a gravity-defying 5.5 seconds.

The event drew kiteboarding athletes from the United States, China, Europe and the Middle East.