Pedro Matos y Moona Whyte se imponen en la Copa Mundial de Kite-Surf GKA Dajla

Pedro Matos and Moona Whyte win the GKA Dakhla Kitesurfing World Cup

September 28, 2023

🏄‍♂️ Kitesurfing shines in Morocco: Pedro Matos and Moona Whyte triumph at the GKA Dakhla Kitesurfing World Cup 🌍🏆

The GKA Kitesurfing World Cup in Dakhla, Morocco, has come to a thrilling close with spectacular victories. 🇲🇦

🌟 Brazil's Pedro Matos scores his first event win in a thrilling final in Morocco.

The young athlete dominated his rounds, earning some of the highest wave scores during the competition. He fulfilled his dream of taking home the prize! 🏆

"My family is watching, and I'm speechless," Matos said. "I can't believe this is happening. But my family knows how much I wanted this. I was like, 'I'm going to win this first event. Oh my God!' Everything lined up, and it was a dream come true to be here." 😃

🏄‍♀️ On the other hand, Moona Whyte of the United States dominated the competition in Dakhla. She achieved the highest scores of the entire competition, taking victory in both the kitesurfing and the simultaneous event, the GWA Dakhla Wingfoil World Cup.

"It was so much fun out there," Whyte said after reaching dry land. "The waves were amazing and the wind was strong. Super long rides. It's crazy to win in both disciplines. I can't believe it happened. I'm so happy right now. Honestly, I was more focused on the kite event than the wingfoil." 😁

The sixth day of the tournament promised an exciting showdown between the top two seeds, Airton Cozzolino (ITA) and Matchu Lopes (ESP). Both athletes went all out, but Cozzolino won and advanced, while Lopes finished ninth. Cozzolino continued to advance and reached the semifinal, where he faced an inspired Pedro Matos.

The semifinal was intense, but Matos edged ahead, and Cozzolino couldn't find a suitable wave to even the score. Matos ended the contest with a great score, giving Cozzolino third place on the podium.

"I've been struggling for two years to get just one win," Cozzolino said. "I think at the next round in Brazil I need to clear my mind. I'm always in second or third place. Something's wrong, and I need to train my mind." 💪

The other semifinal was a thrilling clash between Matt Maxwell (RSA) and Clément Roseyro (FRA). The result was close, but Roseyro narrowly prevailed and advanced to his first final.

The final was an intense 20-minute showdown, and although Roseyro gave it his all, Matos earned the best scores. Only 0.43 points separated the two, but Matos's wave score made the difference.

"It was a great experience, I'm very happy," Roseyro said. "A month ago, I dreamed I'd reach the final. I didn't know the outcome, and it's not the result I wanted, but it's good for my first final. I've been trying to improve my style in this area, and I'm excited about it." 🤙

The women's side came down to two semifinals. Moona Whyte faced Zoe Bazile (FRA) and won easily thanks to her impressive performance in the waves.

The reigning world champion, Frenchwoman Capucine Delannoy, faced her old rival Camille Losserand (SUI) in the other semifinal. Delannoy had more experience in the waves and secured a spot in the final.

In the final, Delannoy faced Whyte, but couldn't match the latter's performance. Whyte dominated on the long forehands, scoring another incredible score.

Delannoy was happy with her second place, but still has hopes of retaining her title at the next stop in Brazil in November.

"It was great to be able to show what I can do in the waves," Delannoy said. "I'm happy with my performance. Moona [Whyte] did better and won. She deserved it, and it was a good final. I had a good time in Morocco, and today was a special day. The conditions were great. I still want this title and will go back home to train." 💪

What an exciting event in Dakhla! We're looking forward to more action at the next stop in Brazil. 🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

Results of the GKA Dakhla Kitesurfing World Cup 2023: