Freestyle single eliminations wrap up the second day of competition

Wind speeds reached 25 knots on the second day in Bariloche, Argentina as the freestylers began to prepare for what would be an action packed day commencing with the men’s freestyle single eliminations.
 
During the first round of men’s heats, a very close call came for Argentine local rider Eusebio Todeschini (Caution, ARG) who poorly executed a trick that could have cost him his life. Todeschini’s kite was looping uncontrollably while pulling him backwards towards a stonewall pier near the shore. The tension of the wind in the kite was so strong that the safety leash released itself approximately a meter from the wall enabling Todeschini to be set free from his kite, however he suffered two broken ribs and a broken eardrum due to this powerful crash.

Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) defeated Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) in a 5/0 judge’s decision during the men’s final single elimination heat, with Yates well on his way to winning the 2010 Men’s Freestyle Championship title. Spectacular performances, executed with very complex tricks in extremely difficult conditions has won over most of the judges more than once this year and in this event the only competitor yet to land a front mobe to blind. It will be great to see if Yates can hold on to his game and win the world title.

Although a little disappointed for losing his heat in the final round, Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) had some great prior heats executing tricks with power and style and took second place in the single eliminations.

French rider Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA) was also riding very well in the difficult conditions defeating most of his opponent enabling him a spot in the losers final against Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP). Pastor defeated Garat in the losers final, earning third place while Garat took home fourth.

In the women’s division, Spanish rider Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) proved that she wasn’t going to let difficult weather conditions slow her down. On her way to winning the 2010 world title, Pulido defeated Polish superstar Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) who takes second place in the women’s final heat. 2009 world champion Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) struggled a bit with the conditions earning her third place by defeating Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in the losers final.

More info and complete results at: www.prokitetour.com