You couldn’t ask for better conditions here in Cabarete. The classic Cabarete wind began to blow early this morning making a possible 12:00pm start a reality. The riders were out on the water prior to the mandatory riders meeting, which was held on the beach this morning at 11:30am. The second round of the men’s single elimination heats began on time as scheduled.

There was a huge upset in the rankings today as the Hawaiian superstar Jesse Richman (Cabrinha, USA) eliminated Spanish sensation Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) in the second heat of the day. It was a very close heat with a 2/1 judges decision in favor of Richman whom had better and cleaner execution of tricks, and more technical tricks.

It was an amazing day for the “Italian Stallion” Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA) as kiteboarding legend Laurel Eastman stated. Rondina won three consecutive heats landing him in the semi final against local Dominican rider Ariel Corniel (Ozone, D.R.).

Corniel defeated the current 2010 tour leader Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) in the third round of heats. Rondina was also eliminated by Corniel however advances to the losers final against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Zoon had a great day, powering his way through his first heat of the day against local Dominican rider Alex Soto (F-ONE, D.R.). Zoon eliminated all competitors he battled against, however was defeated by fellow Dutchmen Kevin Langaree (Naish, NED) in the semi final.

Zoon finished in fourth place today losing against Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA) in the losers final who finished in third. It was a promising day for the 2009 Mens Freestyle World Champion Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED). Langeree won 4 consecutive heats, effortlessly making his way to the semi final against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Langeree advanced to the winners final against local Dominican hero Ariel Corniel (Ozone, D.R.). It was a 2/1 judges decision in favor of Corniel. Corniel was on fire and on top of his game here at his hometown of Cabarete. He gave his friends and fans a spectacular show.

Corniel had an overall better executed of technical tricks with aggressively more power than Langeree whom struggled with execution and had a higher kite position. Langeree finishes in second place while Corniel takes home the first place title.

The 5 x Kiteboarding World Champion and Legend, Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil, GRB) was on the loose, roaming the beaches of Cabarete, cheering on his friends and fellow teammates showing his encouragement and support.

The women of kiteboarding were certainly on top of their game today. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) battled her way to the semi final defeating Susi Mai (Cabrinha, GER) and Holly Kennedy (North, GRB). Winkowska was eliminated in the semi final by Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) however finished first in the losers final earning her third place in the single eliminations. Asia Litwin (Nobile, POL) had a spectacular comeback after an injury. Litwin danced her way to the semi finals defeating local rider Kate Bowcutt (Epic Kites, D.R.), Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GRB) and the 2009 Womens Freestyle Champion Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) in the semi final. Pulido defeated Litwin in the winners final however earning her a second place title while Pulido finishes in first place.

Once the singles were completed the riders quickly rushed into the double eliminations. The first round of men’s and women’s heats are complete and will hopefully resume tomorrow if the weather conditions permit.

The mandatory riders meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:30am with the first possible start at 12:00pm.

SOURCE: PKRA