Omaezaki Japan World Cup 2023 - Day 1

The Spicare Omaezaki Japan World Cup marks the first event of the unified PWA / IWT World Wave Tour. The event began in marginal conditions and the world’s best sailors had to use every ounce of skill to make the most of the small waves on offer. But at the end of day Matoko Sako leads the battle in the Women’s division, whilst only the top 8 sailors remain standing in the Men’s.

Women Winnners – Matoko Sato & Maria Andreas

Omaezaki Japan World Cup – The women’s Final

Maria Andrés was the standout sailor throughout the Women’s Single Elimination. The Spaniard made the most of the small conditions. She consistently linked together stylish, snappy turns to progress into the top two. However, Andrés couldn’t quite see off local legend Matoko Sato. The final was really close. Both women picked off plenty of small waves, but Sato picked the best set wave of the final to drop the biggest score of the heat with her final effort – 5.5 points – after combining three solid hits to secure her place at the top of the podium in the single elimination.

Jane Seymour showed excellent wave selection and flow to see off Pauline Katz in the losers’ final. She currently completes the top 3.

Result Women’s Single Elimination
1. Matoko Sato
2. Maria Andres
3. Jane Seymour
4. Pauline Katz

Omaezaki Japan World Cup – Men’s

In the Men’s division only the top 8 sailors remain at the end of day one. Morgan Noireaux has marked himself as a serious contender in Japan after launching into high stylish Backloops, whilst still being able to combine powerful turns despite the marginal conditions. The Hawai’ian will now face Philip Köster. The 5-time World Champion edged a close duel against Jake Schettewi.

Takara Ishii is the only local left standing, so all Japanese hopes now fall on his young, but very capably shoulders. The 22-year-old claimed an impressive victory against Robby Swift and will take on World No.6 – Antoine Martin for a place in the top four.

Elsewhere, Marc Paré was able to take down Graham Ezzy to setup a mouthwatering clash against Ricardo Campello. Reigning World Champion Marcilio Browne will face a tough test against Bernd Roediger in the last quarterfinal.

Source: PWA Worldtour