Das war Tag 1:
Matoko Sato wins tight final against Maria Andrés, whilst Men’s whittled down to top 8 |
The opening day of the 2023 Spicare Omaezaki Japan World Cup, which marks the first event of the unified PWA / IWT World Wave Tour, began in marginal conditions meaning the world’s best sailors had to use every ounce of skill to make the most of the small waves on offer… At the end of day one Matoko Sako leads the battle in the Women’s division, whilst only the top 8 sailors remain standing in the Men’s. Women’s Final Maria Andrés (Fanatic / Duotone) had been the standout sailor throughout the Women’s Single Elimination as the Spaniard made the most of the small conditions by consistently linking together stylish, snappy turns to progress into the top two. However, Andrés couldn’t quite see off local legend - Matoko Sato (Starboard / Severne Sails) - in what proved to be a close fought affair. Both women picked off plenty of small waves, but Sato was able to pick the best set wave of the final to drop the biggest score of the heat with her final effort - 5.5 points - after combining three solid hits to secure her place at the top of the podium in the Single.
Matoko Sato Jane Seymour showed excellent wave selection and flow to see off Pauline Katz in the losers’ final and currently completes the top 3. Men’s In the Men’s division only the top 8 sailors remain at the end of day one and at the close of play Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins) has marked himself as a serious contender in Japan after launching into high stylish backloops, whilst still being able to combine powerful turns despite the marginal conditions. The Hawai’ian will now face - Philip Köster (Severne / Severne Sails / Black Project Fins) - after the 5-time World Champion edged a close duel against - Jake Schettewi (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins).
Philip Köster Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails) is the only local left standing, so all Japanese hopes now fall on his young, but very capably shoulders. The 22-year-old claimed an impressive victory against Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) in the round of 16 and will take on World No.6 - Antoine Martin (Starboard / North Sails) for a place in the top four.
Takara Ishii Elsewhere, Marc Paré (Fanatic / Duotone) was able to take down Graham Ezzy (Tabou / Ezzy Sails) to setup a mouthwatering clash against Ricardo Campello (Naish / Naish Sails), whilst reigning World Champion - Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) - will face a tough test against Bernd Roediger (Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins) in the last quarterfinal.
Marcilio Browne Tomorrow the SURFLINE forecast is predicting early winds of15-20 knots with a moderate swell. Will we see these Pro Men progress to finals? Tune in to find out. Check out the full bracket update here: http://nor.pwaworldtour.com/Omaezaki_2023_Men's_Single_WEB2.htm Check out the livestream link here: https://www.youtube.com/live/SQK-Nprl2vw?feature=share There will be livestream again tomorrow. Follow all the action and listen to THE CALL from Kai Katchadourian and the team right here for the Unified PWA IWT WAVE TOUR. Thank you to our event partners SPICARE, OMAEZAKI CITY and the wonderful windsurfing community of Japan with the JWA and all those amazing volunteers. Thank you Omaezaki! Thank you Japan!!! Result Spicare Omaezaki Japan World Cup - Women’s Single Elimination *Results may still change 1st Matoko Sato (JPN | Starboard / Severne Sails) 2nd Maria Andrés (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone) 3rd Jane Seymour (AUS) |
