INTENSE BATTLES IN MEN’S DIVISION MARK DAY 2
The “Visit Maldives Pro 2023,” part of the IBC World Tour, entered its second day with a display of fierce competition in the MEN division. Starting on August 3, the tournament showcased gripping clashes in both the first and second rounds of the men’s category.
The action-packed morning began with the eagerly awaited first-round heats of the men’s division, which were postponed from the previous day due to unforeseen circumstances. A total of seven heats provided an electrifying start to the day’s events.
In the 1st round, Maldives’ athlete Ali Javed (Jaatte) stood out as the star performer, securing an impressive score of 13.25 and triumphing in heat two. Kainalu Shim of Hawaii secured the 2nd spot, advancing to the 2nd round, while Israel’s Hen Vaturi missed the cut.
The following heats showcased exceptional performances from athletes like Australia’s Gary Thatcher and Spain’s Alexander Montes, who secured their spots in the second round. South Africa’s Hugo Naude also advanced, accompanied by Maldives’ Ahmed Nazmeen, who outperformed Malaysia’s Saiful Razib.
The competition heated up in the 5th and 6th heats, with athletes from France, Maldives, Spain, and Portugal showcasing their prowess and securing places in the next round. Hawaii’s Haven An put up a valiant effort but finished in 3rd place.
The 7th heats saw fierce battles among Maldives’ bodyboarders. Junior champion Amin Umar Moosa and Ali Sham Rafiu successfully advanced to the 2nd round, while Mohammed Hailam missed the opportunity to progress.
As the 1st round concluded, Ashraf Hasan of Maldives withdrew from the tournament, allowing Australia’s Thomas Morris and Inash Naeem to secure spots in the second round.
The 2nd round heats delivered even more intensity and excitement. Notably, Maldives’ Sham achieved a remarkable victory over nine-time world champion Mike Stewart of Hawaii, scoring 12.00 to Mike’s 11.00. Meanwhile, Australia’s Thomas Morris and Ryan Hill-Smith were eliminated from the heat.
In the subsequent heats, athletes from Australia, France, Portugal, and Maldives demonstrated their skills and determination, securing their places in the next stage. Some well-known names advanced, while others faced disappointment as they exited the competition.
As the “Visit Maldives Pro 2023” progresses, the audience can look forward to more enthralling clashes and intense battles in the days to come. The event continues to captivate spectators with its high level of competition and promises even more excitement in the upcoming rounds.
Photos by Pablo Jiménez and Jesús De León
