Rashed Al Mulla seizes Freestyle World Championship lead with dominant Shanghai victory
The Team Abu Dhabi aquabike star claimed maximum points at the opening round of the 2026 UIM-ABP Freestyle World Championship, positioning himself perfectly ahead of the season finale in Sardinia.
Rashed Al Mulla has established himself at the pinnacle of international freestyle aquabike competition, and his performance at the Shanghai Grand Prix has reaffirmed his standing as one of the sport’s most accomplished practitioners. The Team Abu Dhabi rider claimed the opening round of the 2026 UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship Freestyle category with commanding precision, securing the championship lead on 50 points.
Al Mulla’s Shanghai campaign exemplified the technical mastery that has characterised his career. He dominated the qualifying session before delivering a virtuoso performance in the opening moto, executing a series of sophisticated manoeuvres and consecutive backflips that earned him 227 points from the judging panel and a full 25 championship points. He consolidated this advantage with an equally impressive display on the final day, collecting another 25 points to secure maximum returns from the round.
The achievement assumes particular significance given the restructured 2026 calendar. The cancellation of the Doha and Jeddah rounds means the championship will be determined across just two competitions—Shanghai and the forthcoming finale in Olbia—rendering every point decisive in the battle for the world title.
Al Mulla’s record in the Freestyle World Championship stands as testimony to his sustained excellence at the highest competitive level. He has claimed world titles in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most decorated champions. Having finished the 2025 season as runner-up to Italy’s Roberto Mariani, he now possesses an excellent opportunity to secure his seventh world championship crown.
Speaking following his Shanghai triumph, Al Mulla emphasised that the championship lead provides significant momentum heading into the decisive final round. He stressed the importance of sustained focus and diligent preparation to maintain his competitive advantage through to the season’s conclusion, whilst acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club in supporting his international endeavours. He expressed particular gratitude for the backing provided by the Club’s management and its technical and administrative personnel, recognising their contribution to his achievements on the global stage.
The final round of the 2026 UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship Freestyle category will take place in Olbia on the Italian island of Sardinia from 16 to 18 October, where the championship will be decided and the 2026 world champions crowned.
Source: WAM