Pro Men’s semifinals kicked the day off with the final qualifying runs of the weekend and would serve as the ultimate decider in which athletes would be granted the opportunity to compete in the afternoon’s finals. The first heat was lead by Tony Iaconni (AUS) who completed two strong passes, while Malibu rider Massi Piffaretti (ITA) comfortably powered his way to the front of the field with the win in Heat 2. The second and third heat division wins went to Nic Rapa (USA) and Mike Dowdy (USA), respectively.
In the highly anticipated Pro Men’s finals, riders uncorked their biggest tricks of the weekend by using the M235’s massive wake to lay it all on the line for the chance to become crowned champion. A remarkable effort by Tony Iaconni (AUS) steered him towards one of the most impressive runs of the season, ultimately scoring a 95.33 to clinch his second straight overall victory. Mike Dowdy (USA) put his head down to confidently nail trick-after-trick and secure the runner-up position with a score of 94.67. The final step on the podium went to Malibu team rider Massi Piffaretti (ITA) as he used a clutch performance, including landing one of just two double flips all weekend to outduel the rest of the competition in what is considered the deepest field in wakeboarding history.
“It’s like a dream come true to walk away with my second straight Pro Men’s win of the season here in Seoul,” said Tony Iaconni. “The entire field is super competitive at the moment and there was no holding back during the finals today, forcing us to push our riding to the maximum limit. I’m so stoked to pull off this win in front of an amazing crowd and at one of the best venues in the world.”
The Pro Women’s finals came down to the wire and kept the energetic crowd on the edge of their seats as they were treated to an epic showdown. Nicola Butler (USA) put in an inspiring performance filled with stylish riding en route to the victory, establishing herself as one of the sports premier athletes thanks to the perfect pull behind the M235. Just behind Butler’s score of 91.33, Heehyum Yum (KOR) fought hard to earn second with a 85.67 while Melissa Marquardt (USA) rode clean in both of her passes to round out the podium in third and score a 73.83.
“I’m beyond happy to grab another win on the year and keep the momentum rolling into the final rounds of the season,” said Nicola Butler. “The event was incredible all weekend long and definitely one of my favorite stops of the season. With the talent level being so deep, I was forced to uncork the biggest tricks that I’m capable of landing in competition.”
Click Here to watch Tony Iaconni win his second consecutive WBWS stop of the season.
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 presented by Rockstar Energy
Han River – Seoul, South Korea
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Pro Men’s Wakeboarding – Finals: Heat 01
- Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 95.33
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 94.67
- Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 94.50
- Shota Tezuka (JPN) – 88.83
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 87.33
- Raph Derome (CAN) – 86.33
- JD Webb (USA) – 73.83
- Dean Smith (AUS) – 21.67
- Nicola Butler (USA) – 91.33
- Heehyum Yum (KOR) – 85.67
- Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 73.83
- Tarah Mikacich (USA) – 69.17
- Taylor McCullough (USA) – 64.33
- Yuzuki Munesaya (JPN) – 60.17
- Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 93.33
- Raph Derome (CAN) – 88.33
- Jeff Langley (USA) – 79.67
- Austin Hair (USA) – 59.67
- Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 90.33
- Shota Tezuka (JPN) – 84.33
- Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 80.67
- Toshiki Yasui (JPN) – 74.00
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 84.67
- JD Webb (USA) – 81.33
- Damien Adam (MRI) – 75.00
- You Hamazaki (JPN) – 60.33
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 83.67
- Dean Smith (AUS) – 69.67
- Sanghyun Yun (KOR) – 63.00
- Lee Woosu (KOR) – 46.67
About Malibu Boats
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
About Rockstar: Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information, visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com
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