In brief: Michael Booth has defended his Japan Cup title on the black sands of Chigasaki this weekend, overpowering a small but elite field of internationals that raced alongside hundreds of weekend warriors in one of Japan’s biggest paddle events.

Boothy was too good for compatriot and PPGs podium-getter Matt Nottage, who continued his meteoric rise over the past few months with a solid runner-up finish to give Starboard yet another 1-2 result.

Local hero Kenny Kaneko rounded out the men’s podium for Team JP after the results were mirrored in both the 18km marathon and knockout Survivor race.

Aussie Tim Cyprien was fourth overall, while Japanese dark horse Kaito Miyakoshi rounded out the top five.

Yuka Sato made it a Starboard double by claiming a clean sweep of the women’s field, with the Team Japan rep capturing wins in both the marathon and survivor races to claim the overall title ahead of Takayo Yokoyama and Miu Kogai, while Aussie prospect Chloe Walkerdene hit the podium in the marathon.

More coverage coming soon; follow the Japan SUP Union on Facebook for photos and results.

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