Matchu Lopes and Moona Whyte have taken out the inaugural Viana World Cup, in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
The third stop on the 2018 Global Kitesports Association (GKA) Kite-Surf World Tour got underway in the beautiful coastal city located in the north of Portugal.
Cabedelo Beach is famous for its "Nortada" wind, and it is also the spot chosen by the PWA World Cup to run this year's slalom and freestyle events in Portugal.
On the last day of competition, the strapless freestylers were able to showcase their best tricks and biggest airs. Four heavyweights reached the semifinals: Matchu, Airton, Keahi, and Mitu.
And that's when the party really started. In the match-up against Keahi de Aboitiz, Matchu Lopes landed the first ever triple front roll in competition mode.
"I found a flat spot, and I said to myself: 'this is it.' So, I put the kite in the exact position I felt it should be, and I closed my eyes and kept going, flipping and flipping," explained Matchu Lopes.
"When I did two flips, I opened my eyes and saw I had more time to do another one. Then I asked myself: 'did I do a triple?' I checked my line, landed it super perfect, and I said 'wow!' It was so good!"
The decisive clash saw Matchu and Airton revisiting other finals. Airton kicked off with a huge back loop tic-tac kite loop, but Matchu replied with a bagful of freestyle spells which included a double front shove-it.
Immediately after the end of the final, Matchu Lopes left the beach and headed to the airport without knowing who had won. He had a commitment with a sponsor in Cabo Verde.
"I still have no words for this one! I believe things come along with a reason. Thank you God for this amazing day by the beach doing what I love the most," added Lopes.
On the women's side, Moona Whyte took the top honors after beating an also in-form Jalou Langeree with a consistent delivery of back rolls and varial airs.
2018 GKA Viana World Cup | Top 5
Men
1. Matchu Lopes (CV)
2. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
3. Keahi de Aboitiz (AUS)
4. Mitu Monteiro (CV)
Women
1. Moona Whyte (USA)
2. Jalou Langeree (NED)
3. Carla Herrera Oria (ESP)
4. Ines Correia (PRT)