“This year, Mr. Daisuke Akama (31) graced the Flipper Tournament. He is also the 400m flipper race champion of Japan for three years in a row now,” said Tsunami’s head coach Hiroyuki Kimura in an interview with the Marianas Variety.
“He is also the National Record holder of the 400m Flipper event in Japan. The race between Kenuske and Mr. Akama was a dead-heat immediately after the start of the race,” added Coach Kimura.
The Variety learned that the coordinators of the 3rd International Flipper Tournament of this year suddenly announced a change of the rules the day before the competition.
“This made the race more severe for our flippers and the weather of the competition made conditions even worse,” explained Kimura.
“Mr. Akama told me ‘the current and wind was so strong that even for me it was a tough race’,” added Kimura.
The battle of two flippers continued to the last buoy. At the end, Kimura won only by a few inches from Akama.
“Tsunami Saipan has won the male championship of this tournament since last year. Kensuke defeated the strongest challenger, and defended Tsunami’s champion seat splendidly,” said Kimura.
Meanwhile Angel Marie Tan defended her championship of the last tournament by topping the Flipper Tournament this year followed by Angel De Jesus who place third overall for the females’ category.
Other Tsunami winners include Hiroto Yanai, Kaito Yanai, Takumi Sugie, and Shigeki Tenorio. “I am very proud of all of our swimmers and those who compete in the Flipper Tournament. Great job to all of our Tsunami Flippers,” said Kimura.
