iQFOiL Games #5 Shenzhen: racing resumes after typhoon interrupts action at Dameisha Bay
by iQFOiL Communications 7 Nov 07:06 PST
The iQFOiL Games #5, doubling as the 2025 Asian Championships, are back in full swing at Dameisha Bay, a venue celebrated for its stunning coastline and technically demanding sailing conditions.
November in Dameisha typically offers moderate breeze and shifting swells, challenging foiling windsurfers to balance speed with sharp tactical decisions.
This year's event, however, opened under the shadow of Typhoon Kalmaegi. Originating in the Philippines and tracking toward Vietnam, the typhoon brought unstable wind patterns that prevented racing on the first two days.
Today, Friday 7 November, conditions finally stabilized. A steady breeze from 105 degrees, oscillating between 90 degrees and 110 degrees, held at around 11-12 knots, was enough for the race committee to validate four races for all fleets, except the Senior Women, who completed three.
In the Senior Women's fleet, strategy and mental resilience were key. China's Jiahui Wu currently leads the standings, ahead of teammates Ying Rao and Wenqi Li, who complete the provisional podium. Notably, Zheng Yan, fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, currently sits in eighth place.
The Senior Men's fleet is also dominated by Chinese athletes. Hao Chen holds the top spot, followed by Heng Zang in second and Ching Yin Cheng in third. Olympic sailor Jingle Huang, who represented China in 2024, is currently 18th in a highly competitive field.
In the U19 Women's category, Ning Sun (CHN) made the most of the breeze to move into first place, followed by Tsz Yuet Cheung (HKG) and Xiangyu Fan (CHN).
The U19 Men's leaderboard features Dongxu Ma (CHN) in first, trailed by Jinlong Cao (CHN) in second and Long Yin Bosco So (HKG) in third.
In the U17 Girls fleet, Yafeng Deng (CHN) leads the standings, with Tsz Ying Wong (HKG) in second and Jiayan Huang (CHN) in third.
The U17 Boys category is currently led by Chun Kiu Curtis Ho (CHN), with Hao Xuan Peng and Hao Yang, both from China, in second and third respectively.
These results reflect the remarkable strength of the Chinese national program, while also highlighting a new generation of promising riders from Hong Kong, who continue to make their presence felt on the Asian foiling stage.
The iQFOiL Games #5 continue through the weekend. With improved weather and a stable forecast ahead, the race committee is optimistic about completing the full schedule. As athletes chase medals and valuable race experience, Dameisha Bay remains the theatre for a thrilling showdown among Asia's top foiling talents.