Abu Dhabi:Lucas Zahorsky underlined his top billing at the inaugural UAE Motosurf Championship with victory in the men’s event in Abu Dhabi where he starts the defence of his world title next month.Zahorsky topped qualifying ahead of František Novotný 22 and went on to comfortably beat his fellow Czech into second place in the final, with Martin Vlček in third place.

Czech riders dominate the current world rankings, with eight men and seven women occupying their respective top tens, and for several, including Zahorsky, the new event was ideal preparation for the opening round of the 2020 UIM MotoSurf World Cup in Abu Dhabi from 26-28 March.

There was another Czech 1-2-3 in the womens’ event, with world No.13 Valentina Novotná winning the final from No.6-ranked Barbora Janošková and Stella Ševčíková.Fifth place, however, went to Luluwa Sultan, the first Emirati girl to take up the motosorf challenge laid down by Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club. ADIMSC wants to give UAE enthusiasts a chance to compete against the best in the fast rising water sport discipline of motorized surfing.

Matyáš Novotný captured the junior title ahead of fellow-Czechs Alex Lukscheider and sister Linda at the end of two days of competitive motosurfing which saw six UAE riders in action.“We’re very happy with the local response so far and expect much more UAE interest and support for the World Cup next month”, said Salem Al Remeithi, General Manager of ADIMSC.