The 2011 Nautique IWWF Asian Waterski & Wakeboard Championships commenced today, the 5th of October 2011, at Kelab Tasik (Lake Club) Putrajaya, Malaysia. “A perfect venue,” commented Hanifah Yinfah, event director, “surrounded by the iconic buildings of the Putra Mosque, the Prime Minister’s Offices and the Sultan’s Palace, making a magnificent backdrop for the Asian Championships.”
Some 100 waterskiers and wakeboard riders from 14 countries have assembled in Putrajaya to compete in these annual championships.
Unfortunately at first it appeared the weather gods were not going to co-operate delaying the start after drizzle set in and thunder rolled overhead. Fortunately it was not to last and the inaugural Under 17 Championships got underway. First off in U17 was 13-year old Nur Alimah Priambodo, from Surabaya, who took the first round in girls tricks with a score of 2030, with young Malaysian protégé Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah lying second with 1700.
Four countries were represented in the U17 boys trick competition with 6-year old Thiery Grappe the youngest competitor from Thailand (THA). However, it was Widodo Safaraldi from Indonesia (INA), with a score of 2710, who topped the leader-board after the preliminary round.
Kalya Kee(SIN) ran two clear passes of the six-buoy slalom before coming unstuck after 2.5 buoys at 55kph but holds the lead after the other competitors crashed out on their first passes. Highlight of the U17 boys slalom was Indra Hardinata’s three clean passes before stumbling at the fourth buoy to finish with 3.5 buoys on a 14.25m line.
Nur Alimah from Surabaya failed to land any of her three jumps and will miss out on the U17 girls jump finals.
There were similar results in the U17 boys jump competition with both Guruh Dwi (INA) and Khaled Alali (UAE) crashing out whilst Shamal Abd. Rahman (MAS) set a benchmark jump of 21.2m before Widodo Safaraldi (INA) last off the dock, jumped into the lead with his final jump of 27.1m.
The open skiers and wakeboard riders are looking forward to the start of their competitions tomorrow.
Unfortunately early on mechanical problems and inclement weather resulted in extensive disruption to the programme but with considerable juggling by Paul Fong AAO Confederation President, in consultation with the Chief Judge and the officials from barefoot and wakeboard a revised programme was devised which was ultimately completed satisfactorily, much to everyone’s relief. The Indonesian Water Ski Federation did a remarkable job in organizing the event and there was nothing but praise for their efforts after a longtime absence in hosting such events.
