posted Aug 28th, 2012 - Round 1 is complete at the World Cup 2012, and the two registered teams from Oman had to accept zeros. Meet Director Bryan Burke explained to the NSL News that both teams have not shown up yet. The meet management has not given up, and both teams could still enter the competition if they made it to Prostejov.

At least until the first round the Aerodyne Deep Blue Defenders were in a position in front of NMP-PCH Hayabusa. The jump order of the teams is set by the rankings of the nations at the last IPC competition. France is the reigning champion in the Open Class, and the Defenders are not only defending their own 4way title in Dubai. They are also defending the French honors in the Open Class this week.

Jeremie Rollett explained on NSL Reality TV why his national team in the female 4way category competes in the Open Class this week. He also said that 4way coach Marin Ferre is not available this week due to his work situation in Gap. All four French national coaches (Jeremie Rollett - all events, Marin Ferre - 4way, Erwan Pouliquen - 8way, Philippe Schorno - VFS) will be free of all other work commitments for the trip to Dubai and take care of their teams at the World Meet.

The Aerodyne Deep Blue Defenders compete in the Open Class and they still have to keep their eyes on the other leaderboard where the Golden Knights have taken the lead after Round 1. The French team had a point deduction, however, the US team has caught up and seems to match the French speed. Polaris was only one point behind. The expected race is on in the female category.

Thunder started with a very impressive 20-pointer for the 3-block sequence in Round 1. Even NMP-PCH Hayabusa scored only one additional point in the meet opener. It might become very difficult for the other medal contenders to give Thunder a race for the silver medals.

Italy's 4way team Ex3mo is currently in 3rd place and will be in the race. Coach Pete Allum said that his team just finished the Italian Nationals with 19+ average. Satori and SportLoto are the other contenders in this battle. By the way: Satori's Tail Aaron Faith has a new nickname. After ripping off the plane's door handle at the green light yesterday, his team mates named him "Popeye"...