Christophe Tack is the new 2014 PKRA Freestyle World Tour champion.
The kiteboarder from Belgium finished the Pingtan Kiteboarding World Cup in the runner-up position, which meant he was crowned world champion.
"It's like a dream come true, just unreal- after all these years. I've been really focused on breathing and being present in the moment. Not having thoughts about the past or future, just thinking about what I want to achieve and visualizing success," reveals Tack.
"For the eight minutes before the heat I was just breathing in and breathing out. I didn't go into the heat with a fixed routine, but I just did the tricks that I felt to do. I saw Liam and said 'okay I need to do this, let's finish it off'. Once I landed the Seven and Toe Back Five, I was like, 'okay this is going my way'."
Youri Zoon, who was riding with no pressure over his shoulders and still recovering from an injury, landed a massive Blind Judge 7 and a 317 to prove he was a fair winner of the Chinese event.
All eyes were on the heat between Tack and Whaley, as it would decide whether the battle for the world title would come down to the last stop in Hainan or be determined here in Pingtan.
In one of the highest scoring heats in PKRA Freestyle history, Tack crushed Whaley's chance at the title earning 40.4 points with an impressive Front-side 720, Toe-side Backside 5 and Blind Judge 5, amongst others. Job done.
Pingtan Kiteboarding World Cup| Double Elimination
1. Youri Zoon (NED)
2. Christophe Tack (BEL)
3. Liam Whaley (SPA)