World Water-ski championships update

The first round of the 2009 World Water-ski Racing Championships kicked off in the Belgian town of Gent on July 19. The event, which is hosted every second year by a new host country, is proving to be something of a challenge because it is held in Belgian canals.

Round two was held on July 21 in the town of Ghenk while round three will be held in Antwerp on July 24. The finale will take place on July 26 in Viersel.

Australia claimed the overall title at the previous event in host country New Zealand, after winning five out of six categories. All five winners were towed by Force Boats.

Visit www.skirace.net or log on to www.waterskiaustralia.com to see some spectacular race footage and photos from the first round.