ALKHOBAR, 28 March 2004 — American Scott Gilman, clinched first place in the first ever Union Internationale Motonautique Formula One Power boat championship at Sunset Beach here Friday night driving an Emirates’ boat.
Italy’s Cantando Francisco took the second place, and the third spot went to Celio Samy of Finland. Laith Pharaon, the lone Saudi participant took the 10th position.
“It was one of the most exciting and thrilling events I have ever covered or witnessed,” said Saeed Al-Hilal, chief of bureau of a sports daily.
Although it was announced that the race would begin in the afternoon, people had started pouring in during morning. “I wanted to a good vantage point so that I could watch the entire race without any hindrance or obstacles,” said Mehfooz Al-Dossary, a Saudi student at King Faisal University.
Saudi Arabia is the second stage of the 13-stage Formula One competition. The next stage will be held in Portugal on May 16.
Eastern Province governor, Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd congratulated the winners and expressed his satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the race. He also congratulated Prince Faisal ibn Fahd ibn Abdullah, for the successful organization of the competition and for bringing Formula One to the Kingdom.
Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary general of the Supreme Commission of Tourism, said that the Formula One competition would give a big boost to the tourism sector in the Kingdom. “The competition has put the country on the international map of sporting events and has opened doors for several other international sporting events,” he added. He expressed his hope that international car racing also would be held in the country in the very near future.
