posted Jun 30th, 2004 - The first day of the IPC Anton Malevsky Memorial World Cup 2004 went by quickly once the ball was rolling. Event management and teams were ready to get things done after the incredible opening ceremony. The competition jumps resumed at approx. 3:00 p.m. with three more rounds completed around 7:00 p.m.

The scores are posted, the videos of each competition round were on NSL-TV shortly after the judges were done with their work. Unfortunately, only one round can be shown per team. Many visitors were not able to see the early rounds of the meet on NSL-TV due to the time differences. However, the last round of each meet day will still always be available, and the NSL-TV promises to follow up with earlier rounds after the conclusion of the meet.

The scores speak for themselves, it will be a dog fight or a horse race between France Maubeuge and DeLand Majik. Sinapsi PD still has to work hard to find a way back to the bronze medal position after a very sluggish start. The Italian team fell far behind France and USA in the first two rounds and lost even six rounds to the Russian national team, the Sky Panthers. However, Sinapsi's recovery began in round three where they ended up tied with the Panthers and only two points behind the highest score for this round. Round four reduced Italy's distance to Maubeuge's and Majik's score for the round to only one point, and Sinapsi PD finally managed to beat the Russian team for the first time by one point.

This does not take away from the Sky Panther's performance at all. In fact, the current Russian national team has surely earned the third position after four rounds. The 20.5 average justifies this position more than enough. Sinapsi PD has serious competition for the third place and will most likely have it for the remainder of the competition in Stupino. The Sky Panthers will probably be highly motivated after seeing a realistic chance for the bronze medal at the Malevsky Cup. However, there are four more rounds to go today, and the first loads are up in the air.

The MI-8 exit has been a big challenge for the videographers so far. The teams like the convenience of a tail gate ramp, which makes for a comfortable setup in the door. The situation is different for the videographers. German EADS member Thomas Spielvogel explains that the subterminal air is softer, even compared to the tail gate of a Skyvan. This does not seem to bother the teams' exits too much. However, it makes the filming job very challenging. There were very few teams that did not face deductions due to non-judgeable formations on the hill. Only the very well trained videographers of the top teams were able to make complete formations visible after the exit.

The softer air does not give the videographers much leverage to get on top of the formation right after leaving the plane. Even the wings do not seem to help enough. The judges have no mercy and can only give a point if they can see a complete formation.

The great variety of all kind of different Diamonds of Block 10 from the tail gate was another very interesting aspect of yesterday's last round. Teams were launching the Diamond backwards, sidewards, head down - there were no limits. The diving Diamonds looked like a lot of fun and worked well - most of the times. The Danez had trouble with it and lost at least two points when it took some time to save the very steep exit.