'An experience to remember': Singapore's Maximilian Maeder hungry for more after second straight world title

SINGAPORE: Maximilian Maeder simply relishes competition.

"I must say I enjoy it. It's not something I see as a chore or that I see as annoying or puts pressure," the 17-year-old told CNA after successfully defending his kitefoiling world title on Sunday (May 19).

'It's just really pleasant, especially if you compete against such great athletes and sportsmen ... It must be just natural for me somehow to compete because I don't feel too encumbered or fatigued. I would be happy to do more."

Earlier in the day, the Singaporean saw off Italy's world No 1 Riccardo Pianosi, Austria's Valentin Bontus and France's Axel Mazzella to take gold in Hyeres, France.

Maeder went into the final day of the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships as the favourite, having topped the opening series. This gave him a bye to the final and he did not compete in the semi-finals which were also held on Sunday.

The Singaporean also carried two race wins into the final as a result of his commanding win in the opening series.

He needed to win just one race out of four to defend his title as, based on the competition format, the first competitor to three wins in the final wins gold. Maeder went on to win the first race in the final.

"Its great to see that what we have been working on and what we've been placing our bets on has worked. And that fortune smiled upon us while we were at it," he said.

"All in all, it was an experience to remember for sure."

Maeder, now fourth in the world rankings, has been on a stunning run of form since last year.

The Asian Games gold medalist has now won five events in a row, with the youngster winning the men's title at the Formula Kite European Championships in March.

When asked about his consistency, Maeder attributed it to the