Cairns ski racer Wayne Mawer has claimed the Formula 1 Men’s world title after a controversial finish to the 16th World Water Ski Racing championships in Belgium.
Skiing behind the Force 21 rig ‘Tru Blu’, Mark Cranny at the wheel and Damien Matthews observing, Mawer and America’s Todd Haig fought a ‘tooth and nail’ battle over the four rounds of the championships.
Haig won the opening round, but Mawer quickly came to terms with the challenging canal conditions after his second placing and went on to edge Haig into second spot in the final three rounds.
Judges sat until 1am following the final race; apparently Haig’s boat crew mistook the finish line and after passing the chequered flag to indicate a finish turned and set out on another lap… Details & Pictures