Whyte’s brilliance

The women’s side came down to the two semi-finals. In one, Moona Whyte came up against Zoe Bazile (FRA). The French woman had no answer to the brilliance of Whyte, whose hacks in the critical section of the waves were almost flawless. Her 9.50 wave and 18.43 heat total were easily the biggest scores of the contest.

Current world champion, France’s Capucine Delannoy, 17, faced her old rival Camille Losserand (SUI) in the other semi-final. Delannoy’s grearter experience in the waves was the telling factor and she did enough to earn a place in the final.

Up against the Hawaii-based Whyte, Delannoy put up some solid scores. But the French teenager was just no match for the charging Whyte who was in her element in the long rights, scoring another remarkable 8.97 wave.

Delannoy was pleased with her second place, but still has hopes for retaining her title with one more stop to come in Brazil, in November.

“I’m happy I was able to show what I can do in the waves,” said Delannoy. “I’m happy about my riding. Moona [Whyte] did better and she won. She deserved it and it was a nice final. I had a good time in Morocco and today was a special day. The conditions were great. I still want this title and I’m going back home to train.”

words: Ian MacKinnon
images: Lukas K Stiller

Source: https://www.gkakiteworldtour.com/winners-crowned-in-dakhla-to-cap-epic-event/