1999 Australian Unity Moomba Masters

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 8th March 1999

 

A Grand Finale to the Moomba Masters

 

Excellent conditions provided competitors with the perfect platform to display their skill in front of a huge crowd at the 1999 Australian Unity Moomba Masters on the Yarra River today.

Aerial twists and spins paid off for Canadian trick Champion Jaret Llewellyn who scored a massive 10,360 points in the trick event this morning. Second and third placing’s went to Australian young guns Chris Cockburn with 9,380 and Ryan Green with 9,060 points.

American Rhoni Barton tricked a personal best score of 6,930 points to narrowly take out the event over the current World Jump Champion, Elena Milakova (RUS) with a score of 6,240. Sarah Gatty-Saunt (GBR) placed third with 6,200 points.

In a weekend that has seen record crowds at Moomba, fine weather and great skiing conditions has made sure this year’s Moomba Masters has been one of the best yet.

"Australian Unity has been a supporter of this event for the past five years and has seen the event grow and go from strength to strength," according to Sonia Stiliadis, from Australian Unity.

"Blessed with great weather and an outstanding calibre of international skiers, this year’s Australian Unity Moomba Masters has confirmed it’s spot as a highlight on the Melbourne Moomba agenda."

In other events throughout the day, the men’s slalom was won comfortably by Andy Mapple (GBR) who displayed strength and skill to set a new course record with 1 buoy on the10.25 metre line. Wade Cox (USA) and Jason Paredes (USA) drew for second place with scores of 2 buoys on the 10.75 metre line.

World Slalom Record Holder Kristi Overton-Johnston (USA) did not fail to please after setting another course record in the slalom event with .25 buoys on the 10.75 metre line. Karen Truelove (USA) placed second with 1.50 buoys on the 11.25 metre line and Toni Neville (AUS) third with .50 on the 11.25 metre line.

 

 

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World Jump Champion Elena Milakova (RUS) leapt a massive 46.2 metres to take out the women’s jump event. Rhoni Barton (USA) was a close second with 44.4 metres. Emma Sheers (AUS), event favourite came a disappointing third with a distance of 43.8 metres.

 

The Holden Suburban World Record survived the assault of competitors in the Men’s jump division. Scott Ellis (USA) cleared 64.8 metres narrowly missing out on taking home a brand new Holden Suburban. Second place went to Aussie Curtis Sheers with a jump of 64.5 metres and third to Australian ski legend Bruce Neville with a score of 63.6 metres.

 

For more information please contact:

Phil Vaughan 0409 178 816

Felicity Langford 0419 950 364