Did you know that the tables will turn with a different jump plane and exit? posted: Aug 11th, 2007 Solly Williams completed his commentary of the FAI World Cup 2007 for the NSL News before the competition was actually over. The 4-way jump-off between Hayabusa Defence and France Maubeuge and the last rounds of the 8-way event were still in the works when he was already on his way back to his current home in Tampa, Florida.
However, the news that Belgium had won the first gold medals spread around the world so quickly that Solly Williams even got the word while he was traveling from Russia to Florida. He was wondering on his flight what happened in 8-way since this information did not come... (more)
Did you know that leading a World Cup field was completely new for Hayabusa? posted: Aug 10th, 2007 The FAI World Cup 2007 has just been concluded in Russia, and the new 4-way Open champion, Belgium's Hayabusa Defence, is probably still recovering from the competition pressure and the following celebration. However, Hayabusa member Roy Janssen already took the time to provide the NSL News with a meet summary and the fresh impressions from inside the team right after the competition.
His insights confirm what NSL News commentator in Russia, Dr. Rainer "Exi" Hoenle, observed when Round 10 was shown on the DZ-TV screens: "Hayabusa Defence looked nervous and shaky. They could finally be glad that... (more)
Did you know that the FAI World Cup 2007 was only a European affair? posted: Aug 9th, 2007 The FAI World Cup of Formation Skydiving 2007 is over. Belgium (Hayabusa Defence), France (Maubeuge) and Russia (Sky Panthers) won the medals of the World Cup and the European Championship in the 4-way Open category. France, Russia and Italy took the first three places for both events in the 8-way competition. France (Maubeuge), Russia (JetBats) and Germany (Chicas) won the medals in the 4-way Women category. (more)
Did you know that Italy wins the third 8-way day over Germany so far? posted: Aug 9th, 2007 The competition in Russia is not over yet. The 8-way event is still in full swing. There is not as much excitement in the race for the gold and silver medals as it was in the 4-way Open competition. France Maubeuge and Russia are far away from each other in first and second place, and the other teams have no chance to catch up with them.
There is still a tight competition going on between Italy and Germany for the bronze medal position though. Italy had won the first two rounds on Monday and was up by four points over Germany. However, Germany's EADS team came back with vengeance on Tuesday... (more)
Did you know that Hayabusa Defence won the FAI World Cup 2007? posted: Aug 9th, 2007 All speculation is over, the jump-off created the winner in 4-way Open, and the gold medals go to Belgium. The European Skydiving League Champion of 2005 and 2006 is FAI's World Cup 2007 champion and also the winner of FAI's European Championship of Formation Skydiving 2007.
Hayabusa Defence needed to score one more point in the jump-off round, as yesterday's NSL News story explained. Tied scores in the last competition jump of the World Cup would have given the gold medals to France Maubeuge, according to the IPC rules for tie-breaking situations.
Dr. Rainer "Exi" Hoenle's comments live... (more)
Did you know that the first Hayabusa bust of the meet came at the wrong time? posted: Aug 8th, 2007 It was a split 3-2 decision against Hayabusa Defence, and it created all the additional drama that a 4-way fan can only dream of. France won the last round by one point, and the jump-off for the gold medals is scheduled for Thursday morning.
The French 4-way team still has not posted a sole highscore for a round yet and did not even tie the highest score for the last Round 10. However, they beat Hayabusa Defence by one point, and that's what counted the most.
FAI Controller Dr. Rainer "Exi" Hoenle reported that Hayabusa Defence looked nervous and shaky: "They could finally be glad that they... (more)