Some cloud and even rain has slowed down the competition, with teams being called and then canceled and then called again… all part of the test! Most of the last 2 days has been accuracy, with a smattering of other events when the weather gods allowed it.
#4-way
Hayabusa had a disastrous round 4, with a non-repeater (14, 17, A, H), with a complete melt-down brainlock, and not from the new kid on the block. This single jump put Belgium 8 points behind Canada, scoring 19 to their 27. Other than that you can’t put a pin between the teams’ scores. SDC Rhythm are having a fantastic meet, and are now level with Hayabusa, both teams on a 21.8 average. Still 4 rounds to go for these 3 teams to haggle about the final positions of the medals… followed by Russia in fourth, with UAE and Qatar exactly matched in fifth, followed by Germany and UK battling out for the highest place. UAE and Qatar have been neck and neck all the way through, but I’ll give a brownie point to UAE as their 4-way are doubling up in the 8-way competition, so they haven’t had any time off.
#4-way Female
It’s super to see 8 teams in this event, with a very good standard. An incredible fight is on for the bronze medal and the $7,500 prize money. UK have moved into third place, alongside Russia and Germany. This is a brilliant achievement for Team XX, who have much lower experience as a team than the others. Audrey Rowe said that Anna Hicks, their new inside centre, is pushing their flying to new heights, as she is used to a faster pace and is wringing it out of them regardless. UAE and Canada are hot on their heels so it’s anyone’s game.
##4-way Draw
The next 3 rounds are all fast draws (see below) so both Open and Female will be a question of who can hold their nerve, this will be a blockbusting finish!
Round 7: (O, J, 15, L)
Round 8: (C, 20, N, G)
Round 9: (M, 9, P, 7)
Round 10: (11, 1, 10)
#8-way
The UAE 8-way team are having a fantastic meet, despite a lack of training and some inexperienced team members. These guys have learned to step it up at a competition to not only perform their best but to exceed it. Nice work Craig and Eliana, the Airspeed legacy lives on. Today in round 4 (4, 16, K) they scored a new National record of 23 points in time, outstanding! But for a bust it would have been 24, which would have matched the Russian and French score on that round. Their strong exits are helping UAE extend their lead on Monaco, whose exits are their weak point. UAE are sitting in third place, six points ahead of Monaco and just two points behind the Russians, with the French another 3 points ahead.
More information on the Emirates Airsports Federation website, including photos, video, results and a Live Stream
