PWA Costa Teguise Freestyle World Cup Estredo and Offringa lead Day 4
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1:12 AM Sat 4 Jul 2009 GMT
 | | 'Sarah Quita shaka - PWA Costa Teguise Freestyle World Cup - Day 4'
David Swift /PWA |
PWA Costa Teguise Freestyle World Cup - Day 4. Untouchable at the top: World Champions Estredo and Offringa school their opponents, and show they are in a class of their own in an epic day of high wind drama.
Jose 'Gollito' Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails) has smashed his way back to the top spot, fighting his through the rounds to twice-beat his Fanatic/North Sails teammate Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails). Showing nerves of steel with a battery of tricks to match, Estredo punished his nemesis in two grueling finals. In the women's battle, World-Champion Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) never wavered despite a gallant effort from Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) in Pozo-esque conditions.
The battle ground was hardened with nuclear conditions that caused havoc amongst the sailors. Thread-bare flags ripped from their posts, while cyclonic gusts trampled through the judges tower, scarring the steel structure, and forcing a break in competition.
The hellish gales were not enough to stop stand-out sailor Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails) using the time to hone his high-wind skills. The lion-hearted Bonairian put on a fantastic aerial display as he boosted vast backloops high above the turbulent seas.
Frans' fearless mind-set punished some of the biggest names in the world, as he took this dominant attitude forward, and charged through heats. Ian Mouro Lemos (JP/NeilPryde), Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC), Anthony Ruenes (Tabou) and Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard/Gun Sails) were cast aside without second thought in arguably the most competitive and arduous heats of the day. Taty showed a ruthless spirit as he even put brother Tonky Frans (F2/Gaastra) to the sword despite Tonky pulling out massive forward loops. Taty finally met his maker when he came across Estredo who had been watching in earnest.
Having sailed seven punishing rounds, Frans' mettle was tested, and an outstanding display by the World Champion Gollito Estredo, saw the end of a heroic run. Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra) was the only remaining challenger who stood between Estredo and a place in the final. At all times, their heat was nail-bitingly close, Thode showing glimpses of brilliance throughout nailing a triple spock as the heat entered the final minute. However, in the dying seconds, Estredo pulled off a brilliant air chacho, landing with such brutal force that he transcended physical limitations and claimed the fantastic stunt.
A battle for glory ensued as Estredo faced Browne, Gollito having to win twice to seize the event crown. The spectators were delighted as the two heavyweights locked horns in a dramatic encounter that saw Browne nail a clew first puneta, and a flawless air funnel thus taking an early lead. There was no room for error as Estredo raised the roof with a sickeningly clinical air chacho, unquestionably the move of the event.
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