World No 1 ranked glider pilot Sebastian Kawa of Poland came from behind on the final day to win the world Grand Prix championship in Central Otago.
Kawa claimed the title by a comfortable five points on Monday after five days of intense competition above the southern alps.
Kawa finished on 30 points, five clear of New Zealander Ben Flewett and German Uli Schwenk, who tied for second.
Kawa was delighted with the win and fourth world championship title.
"I flew an independent race, and was able to keep pace with the leading gliders," Kawa said.
"It has been a tough competition with an excellent field of pilots. It's a great Christmas gift for my family."
New Zealand GP champion Flewett began the final day at the top of the leaderboard but some bold decisions mid-race didn't pay off as he placed 10th in the final leg.
There was a different winner for each day of racing, with Briton Peter Harvey claiming victory on the final leg, heading home Kawa.
- NZPA
