PHOTO/FILE
WOODCHOPPING
CHRIS COGDALE
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Masterton sawyer Faavae Sefo narrowly missed winning a fourth world title at the Sydney Royal Easter Show last weekend.
The 50-year old made two finals – the single saw which he won in 2013 and 2015, and the double-handed saw, which he won in 2018.
Sefo combined with Warren Riddle [Hawke’s Bay] to finish second in the double-handed event, which has competitors saw through a 600mm log. The pair finished second 0.15 seconds, less than one stroke, behind Bobby Dowling from Invercargill and Brad Turner from Tasmania.
Sefo finished fourth in the single saw [375mm].
Although disappointed with not retaining the world title he won in Rotorua last year, Sefo was pleased with his effort.
“I tried really hard, I went over to win, but it’s often very close and there’s very little between the top guys.”
Sefo first competed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, what he describes as “the Wimbledon of Woodchopping” in 1999, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
“If you look after your body and train hard, you can compete for a long time at the top level.”
Sefo is now planning his schedule for the rest of the year, but is definitely aiming at another crack at a fourth world title and returning to the Sydney Royal Easter Show again.
