An incredibly talented lineup was on hand for the Pro Men’s Wakeboard division, hosting riders from countries around the globe as they fought for their chance to advance from the open qualifying round. Malibu’s M235 is providing the exclusive pull to all riders throughout the week and its perfectly formed wake helped Malibu team rider Sanghyun Yun (KOR) lay down an impressive run to lead the way in Heat 1. The second heat was filled with intense-action, including huge tricks from Malibu’s Toshiki Yasui (JPN) and You Hamazaki (JPN) who battled toe-to-toe for the top spot. In the end, Yasui relied on a variety of technical trick combinations to elude himself to the win.
Malibu rider Raph Derome (CAN) demonstrated his silky smooth style as he meticulously navigated the calm waters on one of Asia’s most iconic rivers, ultimately leading the way with the win in Heat 3. The M235’s massive wake allowed for Lee Woosuk (KOR) to continue his successful season of competition by nailing a strong run to finish in second. The Pro Men division is heating up as they prepare to face off during tomorrow’s quarterfinals.
“It’s incredible to be competing here in South Korea for the Malibu Seoul Pro and I’m pumped to start the week off with a heat win,” said Team Malibu Rider Raph Derome. “The culture is one of my favorite things about the country and I can’t wait to take it all in as well as take my riding to the next level while competing behind the M235.”
In the open qualifying round for the Pro Women’s Wakeboarding, Melissa Marquardt (USA) rode brilliantly by raising the bar behind the M235’s industry leading wake and grabbed the highest score in Heat 1. Just behind her, the runner-up position went to Heehyun Yun (KOR) with an impressive run. One of the best battles of the day took place in Heat 2, consisting of an all out war between multiple riders seeking to get the edge on their competition. When the final scores emerged, WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson (USA) received the nod from the judges and sat atop the charts at the conclusion of day one.
“The level of riding in Asia has increased an astronomical amount in the last several years due to the overall growth of wakeboarding worldwide,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson. “I’m extremely excited that I not only get help with the overall coordination of the Malibu Seoul Pro, but to experience the level of competition and various riding styles firsthand as a competitor.”
The second day of the Malibu Seoul Pro is set to kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, beginning with Pro Men Quarterfinals and wrapping up with the Pro Women Semifinals.
$60K in prize money is up for grabs as Professional riders hit the water throughout the weekend. To view the complete prize money breakdown Click Here.
As the organizer and sanctioning body of the 2016 Malibu Seoul Pro presented by Rockstar Energy, the World Wakeboard Association would like to thank all of its partners for their support in making the event possible, including Malibu Boats and Rockstar Energy Drink.
Click Here to view more details on the 2016 Malibu Evolution Pro Series.
For more information on the 2016 Wakeboard World Series Click Here.
Results
Malibu Seoul Pro by Rockstar Energy
Han River – Seoul, South Korea
Friday, August 19, 2016
Pro Men’s Wakeboarding – Qualifying Round: Heat 01
- Sanghyun Yun (KOR) – 87.67
- Shutaro Segawa (JPN) – 68.00
- Jung Inseang (KOR) – 67.33
- Jeongwook Kim (KOR) – 60.67
- Chad Sharpe (CAN) – 35.00
- Toshiki Yasui (JPN) – 83.67
- You Hamazaki (JPN) – 69.00
- Yangsu Kim (KOR) – 64.67
- Yunseo Kim (KOR) – 63.67
5. Parker Siegele (AUS) – 6.67
Pro Men’s Wakeboarding – Qualifying Round: Heat 03
- Raph Derome (CAN) – 93.00
- Lee Woosuk (KOR) – 79.67
- Toshinari Yasui (JPN) – 70.33
- Inhyuk Choi (KOR) – 65.67
5. Hari Go (KOR) – 58.67
Pro Men’s Wakeboarding – Last Chance Qualifier: Heat 01
- Parker Siegele (AUS) – 82.50
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- Chad Sharpe (CAN) – 75.67
- Hari Go (KOR) – 50.33
Pro Women’s Wakeboarding – Qualifying Round: Heat 01
- Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 89.33
- Heehyun Yun (KOR) – 81.67
- Otoha Kawahara (JPN) – 76.33
- Yuzuki Muneyasu (JPN) – 68.33
- Chelsea Clark (USA) – 61.67
- Hinata Yoshihara (JPN) – 53.33
- Corrie Wilson (USA) – 81.33
- Seulki Joo (KOR) – 73.67
- Abby Delgoffe (USA) – 68.33
- Ahn Soo Bin (KOR) – 62.67
5. Suhee Yoon (KOR) – 43.33
Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, known for leading the industry with major innovations, including the first onboard computer system in 1993, the ingenious Power Wedge hydrofoil in 2006 (completely redesigned in 2014), the industry’s first wake-maximizing hull in 2000, and Surf Gate, the innovation that changed the face of wakesurfing forever, in 2012. Malibu markets the Wakesetter and Response models – as well as the Axis Wake Research brand – through a worldwide dealer network. With some 450 employees and three manufacturing facilities, in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water. (NASDAQ: MBUU) | @malibuboats | #evolutionproseries | #thetruthisonthewater www.malibuboats.com
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About The WWA: The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sports sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out www.thewwa.com