Copa Kitley GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Ibiraquera 2024 – Benetton Claims First Title in Home Waters
by Ian MacKinnon 29 Oct 04:23 PDT
19-26 October 2024
Gabriel Benetton from Brazil secured his first Qatar Airways GKA Kite-Surf World Championship title on the last day of the season’s final event, held on home turf.
Benetton clinched the title by winning his semi-final heat at the Copa Kitley GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Ibiraquera, as other title challengers were eliminated in earlier rounds.
“I know this location very well, and I sensed it was a chance for me to earn the title here,” Benetton stated. “Everything fell into place ultimately. It was wild. Like when Guilly [Brandao] eliminated Airton Cozzolino, who was in the running for the title. Everything aligned for me. Truly incredible. Really significant.”
In the final, Benetton was defeated by Spain’s Matchu Lopes, who showcased exceptional performances that redeemed a mixed season and earned him his first victory of the year.
“It was a hectic year for me; I kept placing fifth or ninth,” said Lopes. “I can hardly believe it. I hadn’t won any events this year. Winning here feels incredibly rewarding. It revitalizes me after such a tough and lengthy season.”
Mission Accomplished
The final day of the Ibiraquera World Cup featured the men competing on a different beach further north as the wind shifted to a southerly direction. This change meant that the left-hand waves seen earlier in the event were replaced by rights.
Just then, one of the year’s most significant heats commenced. Australia’s James Carew, champion of the last two stops and eager for a world title, faced Brazilian Pedro Matos.
Matos began with two impressive wave scores, putting pressure on Carew, who recognized that an early exit would severely impact his title ambitions. However, Matos was unstoppable, scoring the highest wave of the competition—8.93 out of 10—securing the win.
In the quarter-finals, Matos, ranked third going into Ibiraquera and also a title contender, faced Matchu Lopes. Lopes was focused, and his two counted waves scored 16.73, leaving Matos in the dust.
Stunning Exit
In another quarter-final, Brazilian three-time world champion Guilly Brandao, who trains and resides in Ibiraquera, faced Italy’s Airton Cozzolino. The reigning world champion was unable to keep up with Brandao and suffered a surprising exit.
Brandao then met the formidable Matchu Lopes in one semi-final. Lopes’ performance was exceptional, characterized by sheer verticality and creativity, earning him high praise from the judges. Brandao struggled to respond but did manage to win the mini-final, finishing in third place.
In the other semi-final, Gabriel Benetton took on fellow Brazilian Artur Morais, who ranks second in the country. As the wind picked up to 22 to 25 knots, Benetton proved too strong, scoring several waves above 7 points, winning the heat and securing the world title thanks to earlier performances on the tour.
Following the excitement of previous heats, the final was nearly subdued. Gabriel Benetton made a strong effort, but Matchu Lopes was unyielding. Two substantial 7-point waves at the end allowed Lopes to clinch a decisive victory and attain redemption.
“The waves opened up for me today thanks to the gods,” Lopes shared. “The wind was perfect. I love Brazil.”
Copa Kitley GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Ibiraquera 2024 Final Results
Men
1. Matchu Lopes (ESP)
2. Gabriel Benetton (BRA)
3. Guilly Brandao (BRA)
4. Artur Morais (BRA)
Women
1. Yasmina Bujanow (AUS)
2. Sophia Abreu (BRA)
3. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
4. Kesiane Rodrigues (BRA)
Qatar Airways GKA Kite-Surf World Championships 2024 Final Results
Women
1. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
2. Kesiane Rodrigues (BRA)
3. Camille Losserand (SUI)
Men
1. Gabriel Benetton (BRA)
2. James Carew (AUS)
3. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
