OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES FOR FRANCE, GREECE, CANADA AND USA AT WATER SKI WORLD CUP SERIES IN NORTHERN IRELAND

The town of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland really took this Stop of the Water Ski World Cup series to heart. The venue in front of a 12th Century Castle alongside Lough Erne created a spectacular backdrop for a large and enthusiastic audience and outstanding performances from the athletes: the outcome was certainly impressive.

Following previous 2006 World Cup Stops in Qatar, France, China and Russia, Waterways Ireland welcomed the final event of the tour for the second consecutive year to Enniskillen and Lough Erne.

The Ladies Slalom Final came first starting with Clementine Lucine (FRA). She was the only athlete to qualify for all three Finals. Her score of four buoys on the 12 metre line set the pace. Sarah Green (GBR) tied this score but it was Natalie Hamrick's day as she was the only one to score anything on the 11.25m line. Having had two major wins in the USA and Europe in recent weeks, her return to form was very well-timed. Last year's Enniskillen winner, Jodi Fisher (GBR) had an outstanding score of 5.5 buoys on the very short 11.25m line. However, the tall 6'4" Canadian, Drew Ross, stole the show with a great score of two buoys on the even shorter 10.75m line. This was his first World Cup victory.

Shortboard came next. While Danyelle Bennett (USA) and Clementine Lucine (FRA) clocked up very respectable scores, the World Champion Mandy Nightingale (USA) returned to the top. Her score in Enniskillen of 8530 points was 580 points ahead of her nearest rival Lucine. The Men's Shortboard Final was a dramatic affair. Aliaksei Zharnasek (BLR) was the year-to-date points leader. World Record holder Nicolas LeForestier (FRA) had a very poor World Cup performance in Qatar last April and was still playing "catch up ". Oleg Deviatovski (BLR) scored a new personal best of 11,140 points and LeForestier was then forced to take some serious risks. However, on this day it all paid off as he snatched the title from Deviatovski with a winning score of 11,670 points.

When the Jump Finals arrived, the Enniskillen arena in the shadow of its 12th Century Castle overlooking the site was packed to capacity. Even the weather was kind. The Ladies battle was a predictable duel between World Champion Ageliki Andriopoulou (GRE) and Denmark's June Fladborg. Fladborg put enormous pressure on the Greek athlete by posting an early score of 47.2m. distance. Andriopoulou then scored zero on her first attempt, to increase the suspense. However, her following distance of 48.9m took the title and also set a new Enniskillen Course Record. In the Men's Jump event, Jaret Lewellyn (CAN) returned to defend his 2005 Enniskillen title. As predicted, Freddy Krueger (USA) was his greatest threat. Krueger set the pace with a score of 68.2m plus a new Irish Allcomers Record. However, with eleven World Records to his credit, Lewellyn on this occasion could only get to 66.8m to take second place. Sebastien DiPasqua (CHE) scored an impressive distance of 64.4m and a World Cup third place.

The World Cup Series ended in Enniskillen with the World Champions announced. Based on results over the whole tour Jodie Fisher and Mandy Nightingale are Slalom World Champions; Nicholas LeForestier and Ageliki Andriopoulou are Shortboard World Champion; and Freddie Krueger and June Fladborg are Jump World Champions

SLALOM WINNERS - Women
1. Natalie Hamrick (USA) 0.5 x 11.25m
2. Sarah Green (GBR) 4 x 12m
3. Clementine Lucine (FRA) 4 x 12m

SLALOM WINNERS - Men
1. Drew Ross (CAN) - 2 x 10.75m
2. Jodi Fisher (GBR) - 5.5 x 11.25m
3. Jamie Beauchesne (USA) - 4 x 11.25m

SHORTBOARD WINNERS - Women
1. Mandy Nightingale (USA) - 8,530
2. Clementine Lucine (FRA) - 7,950
3. Danyelle Bennett (USA) - 5,860

SHORTBOARD WINNERS - Men
1. Nicolas LeForestier (FRA) - 11,670
2. Oleg Deviatovski (BLR) - 11,140
3. Aliaksei Zharnosek (BLR) - 11,060

JUMP WINNERS - Women
1. Ageliki Andriopoulou (GRE) - 48.9m
2. June Fladborg (DEN) - 47.2m
3. Clementine Lucine (FRA) - 45.7m

JUMP WINNERS - Men
1. Freddy Krueger (USA) - 68.2m
2. Jaret Llewellyn (CAN) - 66.8m
3. Sebastien DiPasqua (CHE) - 64.4m

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