GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Dakhla (women's)2024 - Rodrigues back to winning ways in Dakhla
by Ian MacKinnon 6 Oct 2024 10:02 BST
29 September - 6 October 2024
Brazil's Kesiane Rodrigues was a sensation as she won the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Dakhla on the event's closing day, her first major victory since 2022.
Rodrigues was in class of her own when she took out the tour leader, France's Capucine Delannoy, in the final with another high-class display in conditions that were again difficult for the athletes.
"I'm very happy to be here competing with the best in the world," said Rodrigues. "It's the best place for the waves and the wind. It's similar to my place in Jericoacoara [Brazil], so I'm very happy."
Delannoy's runner-up spot in Dakhla means that she retains her place at the top of the world rankings after three tour stops, keeping her hopes of reclaiming her Qatar Airways GKA Kite-Surf World Championship title on track.
"It was quite a hard event for me," said Delannoy. "I didn't manage to find the right waves during the whole event. It was tricky and I couldn't adapt to the conditions. But I played my part and I'm so much closer to the world title. A second place puts me in a good position, so I'm stoked."
All-Brazilian affair
The climactic Day 6 of the world cup in Dakhla, the crucial mid-season stop of the Kite-Surf tour, dawned with small waves lighter breezes that saw the athletes out on their 11m and 12m kites.
Only the women's semi-finals and finals remained to be decided after the men's contest was settled out on Day 3, with Australia's James Carew claiming the win, his second in succession.
The first women's semi-final was an all-Brazilian affair, with Serena Luz up against Kesiane Rodrigues. Both athletes had already shown they were capable of pushing the envelope in the waves.
But Rodrigues quickly opened up a lead on the scoreboard with her fluid surfing and powered hacks off the lip. Her opening score of 5.97 was backed up later with a big 6.5, when she found decent waves among the few sets on offer.
Luz, who had landed a huge 9.07 score on the opening day, struggled slightly to find the waves that could match that big number. Ultimately Luz was two points adrift and she had to settle for a place in the mini-final.
Final nail in coffin
The second semi-final was an all-French matter between Capucine Delannoy and Clémence Derrien. Derrien had posted some good numbers in earlier heats, but could not match Delannoy who booked her place in the final.
In the mini-final, the run-off for third and fourth places, Derrien had a better run against Luz. But the Brazilian had the edge and a 6.77 wave score towards the close of the heat was the final nail in the coffin that gave Luz the win and the third podium step.
"I'm so happy about my third place here in Dakhla," said Luz. "I have a big space in my heart for Dakhla. I really love the waves here. I really love the people here. The conditions weren't easy, but I did my best and got third and I'm happy about that."
The final between Kesiane Rodrigues and Capucine Delannoy was a mouthwatering prospect. Delannoy got some good early scores on the board, but Rodrigues' wave selection and committed surfing in the critical sections were telling, earning her 6.73 and 8.13 for her two counting waves.
Delannoy tried everything to get back on terms, but Rodrigues' total 14.86 was too big a hill to climb. Rodrigues' win in Dakhla closes the gap on Delannoy and moves her up to second in the standings, heading to the last two stops on the Brazilian's home waters.
Be sure to join for the next part of the drama in Ibiraquera, Brazil, later in October.
GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Dakhla - Women:
1 Kesiane Rodrigues (BRA)
2 Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
3 Serena Luz (BRA)
4 Clémence Derrien (FRA)
For more information visit www.gkakiteworldtour.com