Matt's back to back jet-ski titles

HE'S done it!

The back-to-back National Freestyle Jet-Skiing Tour titles that Matt Hards so desperately coveted are his following a turbulent yet ultimately triumphant final round last weekend.

The Bexhill-based 19-year-old, who landed the Amateur honour last season, travelled to Billing Aquadrome in Northampton leading the professional standings by a point and he consolidated that position by securing his fifth win out of six stagings.

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"I am very pleased with my consistent performances throughout this year," Matt, who also finished third in his debut season at JSRA British Freestyle Tour level which he is "extremely proud of", enthused. "Especially in the FNT. I think this consistancy has been the key to my success this year, along with a smooth routine and introduction of bigger aerial tricks."

But it wasn't achieved without a fright. Matt suffered the "disaster" of damaging two vital parts of his ski in practice and had it not been for the generosity of the complex owner and mechanic, who got him up and running again and waived all charges, he "may not have been able to compete".

With equipment back in tact, he was able to focus upon the competition for which he went out second, immediately after Stu Carr - his only realistic rival to the throne.

Matt continued: "I was getting anxious as his routine went very well and was smooth flowing with many tricks. But I was very pleased with my run, I felt confident, and everyone greeted me from the water with big smiles and applause."

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Matt would like to thank his parents, family and sponsors Queenford Jet Ski Centre, Air Time Products, Quiksilver Marine Oil, D. & S. Kilburn Jewellers, Banana Splits Hair Salon and D. & J. Tilers.

He plans to again compete in the JSRA British Championships next year and "would love" to move up a level to the European Championships but will need some financial backing to do so.

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