Powerboat Racing

Top three of the Ski Ladies GP1 category of the Aquabike World Championship which closes in Bình Định Province on March 24. — Photos of organisers

BÌNH ĐỊNH — Swedish Samuel Johansson overcame all title favourites and strong rivals to win Moto 2 and seal victory in the Runabout GP1 category at the Grand Prix of Bình Định-Việt Nam's Aquabike World Championship which wrapped up in Quy Nhơn City on March 24.

World number one Roberto Mariani of Italy topped the standings in the Freestyle Moto meanwhile Estonian Jessica Ypraus and Belgian Quinten Bossche sealed overall Ski Ladies GP1 and Ski Division GP1 victories, respectively.

The 22-year-old Johansson’s victory in Moto 2 saw him tied with the defending Runabout GP1 World Champion Francois Medori of France on 47 points. The Swede duly earned victory in the title, courtesy of winning the last of the Motos by 2.617sec faster.

The third place went to Gyorgy Kasza of Hungaria.

“This is my first time winning in aquabike, although I won in 2018 in the GP2 class," Johansson was quoted as saying on aquabike.net.

"This is huge for me. It feels great. I had a good feeling all weekend on my bike. I made some small set-up changes for the last Moto and it was a good job this time.”

Only three men competed in the Freestyle Moto 2. They entertained the crowds with tricks and maneuvers with ease.

Mariani delivered the best and most impressive performance to take the top podium with 47 points.

Swedish Samuel Johansson on top podium of the Runabout GP1

Rashid Al Mulla from the UAE (44 points) and Paulo Nunes of Portugal (40 points) were second and third, respectively.

In the Ski Ladies GP1, a win in the Moto 3 would decide if Ypraus and her arch-rival Jessica Chavanne of France the overall winner as both of them grabbed one win and one second-place in previous races.

World champion Chavanne proved her better skills and went ahead, setting up a safe gap between Ypraus and other rivals.

But she dramatically crashed into the water with a broken engine, the incident handing Ypraus the race lead and the championship title.

French Estelle Poret and Norwegian Benedicte Drange rounded up the podium.

“The race was different. It was emotional for her because I know how much she pushes and I love our close battles, but, right now, it was only me left on the water with the waves and I am happy that I finished the race with good times," Ypraus said.

"Even for us, five minutes before the start, my ski was not working so I am so grateful for my mechanics and all the people who helped me make it work for the start.”

Earlier, Bossche sealed a clean sweep of Moto wins to claim the Ski Division GP1 category.

Bossche stormed into the lead, leaving behind all heavy pressure of all rivals. He confirmed a hattrick of Moto victories with a maximum 75 points.

Oliver Koch Hansen from Denmark and Kevin Reiterer from Hungaria were his runners-up.

“Honestly, we didn’t train that much this winter. We came here and the first Moto I got the win. Maybe I got lucky but then I got a win in the second Moto as well," Bossche said.

"So I thought that maybe I am in shape enough to win this race. That’s what we did. We had another amazing race. Koch Hansen was there the whole way. I had to push hard and that was a little bit out of my comfort zone. But I managed to keep him behind me and I am so happy for my team, my family, my girlfriend and everybody back home.

The three-day championship lured 55 world best competitors to the Thị Nại Bay of Bình Định Province.

The next event will be the UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of Bình Định on March 29-31. — VNS