Kiwi Coutts Finishes 6th At World Gliding Champs

Kiwi Coutts Finishes 6th At World Gliding Champs

Kiwi glider pilot John Coutts has lost his bid for a hat-trick at the World Gliding Champs in Eskilstuna Sweden.

Coutts with a sixth place in the 15 meter class. Acknowledged by many as the best soaring pilot of his generation he paid dearly for a land out on day 4, having led the competition until then.

That placed him at 21 st in the 27 nation competition and with the challenge of clawing his way back up to competition ladder. "Moving from 21st to 6th was in itself a demonstration of the ability and skill of one of New Zealand's truly great, though little known sporting champions," commented Gliding New Zealand spokesperson Stephen Tollestrup.

Taking the top spot at the World Championship in the 15 meter Standard class was Janusz Centka of Poland .

Coutt's will likely be trying to win the upcoming World Gliding Grand Prix at Omarama scheduled for December 2007. That title is presently held by Aucklander Ben Flewett.

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