posted Jul 1st, 2004 - Round seven increased the lead for France once again, this time to a three-point difference. France did nothing spectacular, it was a clean and fast round. Maubeuge even lost a few seconds due to a level problem with the subterminal Block 13 (Hammer - Hammer). DeLand Majik looked nervous in the same round and had flaws in the communication system that caused the penalty situation.

Italy's Sinapsi PD performed below expectations once again and also received a two-point deduction for a final score of 17 points in round seven. The team was not happy with the call by the judges and argued it for a while. It was the second penalty situation for Sinapsi PD where the judges did not accept the shown separation.

The Sky Panthers won three more points over the Italian team and are so settled in third position that it seems almost hopeless for Sinapsi PD looking at the bronze medal and $6,000 cash. The Russian national team is well above the 20-point average and looks fast and clean.

There is a big gap behind the four top teams. The next teams compete for the "amateur title". Two Russian teams, Extreme.RU and Kolumna Quick Blue, battle with the German national team, EADS, and the Danez. While the Russian teams compete for the official World Cup rankings and cash at the Malevsky Cup, Germany and Denmark work on their positioning for this year's world meet in September. EADS and the Danez will be in contention for the fifth place in Croatia. Other national teams from Belgium and Sweden will join this race.

Several teams completed their eighth round on Wednesday before rain forced the event into a new weather hold. The meet management was still hoping for better skies later on to complete round eight. However, it did not happen after hours of waiting with the skies breaking open and closing up again. It was time to mingle and listen to the beautiful classic music of a Russian band for the teams that were already done.

The weather was fine again Thursday morning and allowed the teams to complete round eight. DeLand Majik was committed to make a move in the remaining three rounds. The sequence of round eight seemed to favor France Maubeuge. The French team has the fastest Block 6 (Stardian - Stardian) in the history of skydiving. However, Majik had recently worked on their own block technique and saw a chance to possibly win back a point or two.

Sinapsi PD was out for redemption, as well, and the first team on the Omniskore screen. The Italian team came up with a flawless and fast jump and a score of 21 points. Danez' coach Pete Allum commented that it would be difficult to beat this score. The Russian Sky Panthers were next and missed the completion of Block 19 (Ritz - Icepick) on the hill. The Panthers still finished this round with 20 points and have a 20.8 average on the scoreboard, eight points ahead of Sinapsi PD.

DeLand Majik fought for its life and the last chance for the $12,000 from the very first second with full action. The freeze frame showed a just completed 24th point, and the Italian highscore was history. France Maubeuge was as fast as expected with Block 6 and made all the catches of Block 19. The French team was almost at exactly the same position at the freeze frame as Majik was. One hand was only inches away from the grip for the 24th point. 23 points was the score, and the lead was down to two points. Round nine has begun. Stay tuned.