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Joel Parkinson wins twin-fin division at Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy
The twin-fin division of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy was run and won by Joel Parkinson in clean head-high tubes at Sultans Saturday afternoon, with competitors revelling in the dreamy conditions on offer at the right hand point break.
After meeting in the final of the single-fin division on Thursday, it was again Australians Joel Parkinson and Josh Kerr who squared off in the last heat on Saturday to decide the twin-fin champion for 2019.
After an incredible afternoon of surfing blessed with the cleanest waves of the window so far, the final was the icing on the cake as Parkinson and Kerr went back and forth, exchanging long tubes, vicious turns and the lead a number of times.
There could only be one winner, however, and as the final hooter sounded it was 2012 world champion Parkinson who gained his revenge for the earlier single-fin loss with an incredible 17.36 two-wave total to better Kerr’s 16.64, and claim the second of the three divisions. Parkinson did the damage with consecutive waves at the halfway mark, backing up an 8.33 with a 9.03 for a long, double-barrelled drainer. With Kerr already sitting on an 8.67 he spent the rest of the bout on the hunt for an almost identical 8.69, and although he had a number of opportunities he couldn’t quite overhaul his fellow Queenslander, a 7.97 the best of his attempts as the waves continued to cook.
“That was amazing,” said Parkinson,
“Wave after wave after wave. They’re the finals you dream of. There were two waves in every set, which was even better. You could get back to the top and say, ‘You have the first one, I’ll have the second one!’ It was an amazing day of surfing. The whole Four Seasons experience has been incredible, the hospitality, the staff and just how luxurious it is, it’s really something I could get used to. I see myself and the family spending a lot more time here in future.”
Kerr rode the final on a surfboard he borrowed from Hawaiian Kai Lenny, after knocking a fin out in his semi-final showdown with Matt Wilkinson.
“Obviously I would like to have been on my own board, especially as the waves got so good during the final. They’re easily the best conditions we’ve had so far; it was epic. Obviously Joel was in rhythm, whereas I probably was forcing it a bit hard on a board that wasn’t built for me. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow though, we could be finishing with a bang if conditions hold up.”
The first semi-final was the day’s slowest heat, Parkinson accounting for Lenny on the strength of an 8.27 and a 7.00. Lenny had a 7.07 on his opening wave but couldn’t find a backup, and was forced to settle for a third place.
Things heated up in the second semi-final as Wilkinson, famed for his incredible backhand, unleashed a string of sizzling re-entries to lock in the highest scoring wave of the day, a 9.17. Kerr countered with a 7.60 and an 8.17 to narrowly edge in front. With Wilkinson chasing a 6.60 to make the final he came up agonisingly short, missing out by 0.1 in the closest heat of the event so far.
Due to Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) having to withdraw from the event, Kerr and Parkinson received first round walk-throughs on Saturday. In the second of the three-man round one heats, Wilkinson and Kai Lenny defeated local wildcard Mohamed Fayaz, who was thrilled to once again come up against some of surfing’s icons.
“It’s such a great opportunity to me to get to surf with some of the legends of the sport,” said Faya, who is nicknamed Pelé.
“It’s a dream come true, I’m so happy! I wasn’t nervous at all; I was just excited. I had so much fun. The guys have all been so nice and so friendly; it’s been really special. Maldivian surfing is getting better and better, and hopefully through me getting a chance to compete in this event I can show some young kids of the level that it is possible to get to.”
Conditions are primed for an epic final day on Sunday as the surfers revert back to the modern weapon of choice, the thruster. At the end of that division a grand final will be contested by the two surfers with the highest points, and whilst Kerr and Parkinson each have one foot in the ultimate showdown, Wilkinson, Lenny and Fayaz are all still within striking distance.
The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes whilst the ‘surf tour’ experience continues with nightly events back at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners.
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Ex-world champion Angelique Kerber to visit Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas for exclusive tennis clinic
From 27 November to 8 December 2024, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas will welcome former world No.1 tennis champion Angelique Kerber for an exclusive tennis clinic. Known for her Grand Slam victories and exceptional career, Angelique will enjoy the serene beauty of the Maldives and share her passion for tennis with our guests through a series of exclusive lessons, both group and private.
Guests at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas will have the opportunity to engage with Angelique on the resort’s tennis courts, designed for enthusiasts of all levels. These intimate sessions will allow guests to learn directly from one of the most accomplished athletes, enhancing their tennis skills while enjoying our resort’s tropical beauty.
Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic silver medallist, is recognised for her fierce competitiveness and tacIcal prowess. She has secured her legacy in tennis history with memorable wins at the Australian Open, US Open, and Wimbledon, where she claimed her first title in 2018. With her dedication to tennis and technical finesse in collaboration with LUX Tennis.
Guests can experience personalised lessons and professional guide directly from one of the world’s greatest tennis champions, all while basking in the Maldivian paradise.
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a luxury island resort known for its exquisite villas, pristine beaches, and exceptional guest experiences. The resort’s commitment to personalised service and exclusive experiences ensures that every guest enjoys an unforgettable stay.
For more informaIon or to reserve your seat at this exclusive event, please contact +960 664 4111, visit www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives, or email reservaIons.maldives@anantara.com.
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Diving into a milestone: Monika’s 3333th dive at Ellaidhoo Maldives
In the crystal-clear waters surrounding Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, each dive holds the promise of discovery. Known for its thriving reef ecosystem, this haven is where explorers return drawn by the lure of discovery and for Monika Anna Herbstrith Lappe— physicist, neuroscientist, motivational psychologist, and author—it was only natural to celebrate her 3333rd dive at this remarkable destination, where she could immerse herself in the beauty and mystery of the ocean she holds dear.
The journey to 3333 dives
Monika’s journey to over 3000 dives began in 1989 and has spanned oceans around the world, from Indonesia and the Philippines to her beloved Maldives. Since 2020, she has made Ellaidhoo her diving home, captivated by the island’s traditional charm and the freedom to explore. Her dives are more than just adventures; they’re a blend of exploration and insight. She uses her experiences beneath the waves as metaphors in her work, drawing on the mysteries of the ocean to offer practical advice for lightness and resilience in everyday life.
Diving into the depths of Ellaidhoo’s reef
Known for its house reef, a stunning underwater habitat that supports a thriving community of marine species, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers divers a front-row seat to nature’s underwater symphony. The clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of colors: bright corals, shimmering schools of fish, and the thrilling presence of grey sharks. For Monica, these waters are a special kind of home—”Coming home” is how she sums up the experience. “Ellaidhoo truly feels like coming home for us. While we’re very familiar with its beautiful reefs, it’s the warmth of the dive center team that makes this place so special. Many staff members have been here for years, and their genuine kindness turns each visit into a reunion with friends rather than a business encounter. Their service is exceptional, offered with genuine enjoyment in helping us, which makes each dive experience truly wonderful.”
A destination for ocean lovers
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a haven for divers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Known for its exceptional dive sites and sustainable practices, the resort allows guests to experience marine life up close, while ensuring that these vibrant reefs will remain pristine for future generations. Whether you’re diving the Ellaidhoo House Reef like Monika or taking in the night dive with its thrilling shark encounters, this destination promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. Click here to watch her journey and immerse yourself in the experience.
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Global athletes converge at Canareef Resort for historic 2024 Bodybuilding Championships
Canareef Resort Maldives achieved a historic milestone by hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, a prestigious event that enhanced both the resort’s reputation and the Maldives’ prominence in international sports.
From November 5th to 11th, 2024, over 450 athletes and delegates from 41 countries gathered at Canareef Resort to compete in one of the year’s most significant bodybuilding events. The resort’s exclusive villas, lush tropical surroundings, and turquoise lagoons created an ideal setting for the competition, while its exceptional hospitality contributed significantly to the event’s success.
The championships’ opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group (owner of Canareef Resort Maldives), the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E. Munu Mahawar, and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, H.E. Ranga Goonawardena. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and Canareef’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience.
The event schedule included key moments that highlighted its significance:
- November 1-5: Arrival of Executive Council members, Sub-Committee Members, teams, delegates, and officials.
- November 6: Team Managers’ and Judges’ meetings, the WBPF Executive Council discussions, and the WBPF Electoral Congress.
- November 8/9: The Opening Ceremony marked the official start of the championships, drawing significant attention from audiences and media.
- November 10: The championships concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Final Prize Distribution, celebrating athletes’ achievements.
The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered an impressive performance, winning three medals: two Gold and one Silver. Key highlights included:
- Shaheen Ibrahim Didi: Gold in Men’s Bodybuilding 55 Kg.
- Azneen Rashad: Gold in Sports Physique 170 cm.
- Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee: Silver in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 Kg.
Other notable performances included top placements by Mohamed Nahyan Khan, Shaalu Ibrahim, Abdulla Ahsan, and Ismail Shuau Abdulla in their respective categories.
In the team rankings, India won the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam secured the Women’s Team Championship, and Saravanan Mani of India was named Overall Champion.
Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, commended the event’s success and the resort’s warm hospitality. He remarked on the beauty of the island and expressed enthusiasm about returning to Canareef, even outside of championship events.
Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasising its positive impact on Addu and the southern Maldives. Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, AGM, lauded the teamwork and resilience that contributed to the event’s success.
Hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress has firmly established Canareef Resort Maldives as a premier venue for international sports events. This accomplishment not only highlights the resort’s capabilities but also reinforces its status as a destination where luxury, hospitality, and world-class events converge.
Looking forward, Canareef Resort remains committed to hosting significant global events and welcoming guests to experience its unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and hospitality.
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