PH bet Tio, Swedish star Kappel top kiteboard Boracay leg

BORACAY—Swedish ace Atte Kappel and Philippines’ top kiteboarder Christian Tio reigned anew in the Twin Tip races during the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour’s most challenging leg yet here.

Competitions in the first two days of PKA’s third stop this year were cancelled due to the lack of wind, but when action resumed on the last day, some events had to be cut short because of gusty winds and heavy rain.

Kappel, though, still managed to dominate and repeat as the masters champion of the Twin Tip racing. PKA president Jay Ortiz came in second followed by Carlo Leongson.

The 16-year-old Tio, meanwhile, bested an elite pool and topped the men’s Twin Tip, which is aimed at gearing him up for the Youth Olympic qualifying tournament in Thailand next march.

Atte Kappel and Christian Tio leading the pack. Photo from PKA-Philippine Kiteboarding Association Facebook account.

Mariska Wildenberg clinched the women’s crown while Remel Rentillo, also part of the national youth kiteboarding team pool which will compete in Thailand, won the youth category.

Bong Fernando and Anastasia Sashchenko ruled the hang-time events.

The freestyle competition, Tio’s pet event, was cancelled due to unfavorable conditions. The price money was shared among the top finishers.

Boracay is a staple venue for the annual kiteboarding tour because of the usually strong and consistent winds in the island.