ROMPIN: Four-time world champion Dawid Mocke has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with after emerging first in the main category of the Pahang Ocean Paddle International Challenge (POPIC) 2022 here today.
Competing in the Open International Single Ocean Race category, which offers a cash prize of RM15,000 for the overall champion, the South African champion finished the 14-kilometre race at Pantai Hiburan here with a time of 1:00:18.99.
He finished one second ahead of first-runner-up Jenkinson Kent of Australia who clocked 1:00:19.67 followed by fellow countryman and former under-23 world runner-up MacKenzie Hynard with a time of 1:01:37.18.
“There is always an Aussie (participant from Australia) who is a strong challenger, all I can say is that I will try to hold the leading position for as long as possible,” he told a press conference after the race.
Kent, 25, said the second-place victory came as a pleasant but unexpected surprise to him.
“I have to admit I was a bit surprised. I didn’t expect to be in second place because I expected to finish the race in fifth or sixth place, so of course this will give me motivation,” he said.
Meanwhile, 2019 world champion Danielle MacKenzie lived up to expectations when she dominated the women’s event after finishing the race with a time of 1:06:40.02.
The New Zealand champion, who averaged a paddling speed of 4.5 kilometers per hour, crossed the finish line 13 minutes ahead of second place winner Irin Neegree of Thailand who completed the race in 1:19:10.58 with Aimi Ayuni Azwan a close third with a time of 1:19:24.51.
“This is how we raced in Australia and New Zealand, fast from the start and keeping the pace,” she said.
POPIC 2022, the first of its kind to be held in Malaysia, is set to take place over the course of five days between Sept 7 to 11.
The second stage tomorrow will take place at Pantai Legenda, Pekan while the last three stages are located in Kuantan involving Pantai Balok, Pantai Cherating and ending at Pantai Teluk Cempedak.
A total of 39 paddlers participated in the men’s event and 11 competed in the women’s event for the main category.
This race, which offers a total prize of approximately RM300,000, is presented by StageMaker Sdn. Bhd. as an organiser in collaboration with the Pahang State Government, Tourism Pahang and Tourism Malaysia.
