The single elimination round of freestyle was run and it was a heart stopping round! Long glided with ease through his first two heats, only to come up against the seasoned with technical grace, Taner Aykurt from Turkey. 2 seasons ago these two went head to head in the finals of KTA Thailand where Long lost his 2nd position to Taner. Going into the heat Long said he was so nervous. The rest of us spectators were watching with anxious nerves wondering what would happen knowing anything can happen in competition!
Long took the heat against Taner, tears of joy and thankfulness were amongst the K!NN Team. Long then advanced to go up against friend, experienced Asian Champion, and K!NN Team mate from Thailand, Yo Pudla! A heat everyone on the tour hoped for and looked forward to. Vietnam versus Thailand, exposure for Asian riders proving their ability, a kind of heat the tour was created for!
Nails were getting bitten, stomaches were in knots, breath was being held - it was clear the heat could easily go either way! The crowd watched and gasped as Long's kite crashed big, too big to be relaunched quickly... then it happened to Yo too. In the end, it was close. No one was sure who the winner would be. At the evening's close, it was announced... LONG WON! His first freestyle win.
Now we wait, and see what the double elimination round brings!
