The 10-times world champion secured the win in a time of 3hr 07min 41sec with a speed of 118.32 kph to remain in contention for the overall title.

The success for Kawa saw him move on to a score of 4,417 points, 33 behind current leader Mac Ichikawa of Japan.

Lucasz Grabowski, also of Poland, was fourth in today’s race and remains third on the standings.

Frenchman Killian Walbrou holds top spot in the 18-metre class with a score of 5,661, but Wolfgang Janowitsch of Austria took today’s spoils thanks to a time of 3:05:27, achieved with a speed of 124.39 kph.

The Austrian was able to finish in front of German duo Mario Kiessling and Matthias Sturm, who were second and third respectively.

Just 107 points separate the top five, led by Walbrou, who has 5,661.

Sturm is second on 5,593, while Britain’s Mike Young follows on 5,588.

The competitors were greeted with excellent racing conditions after yesterday’s entire programme was cancelled due to poor weather.

Those in the open class took full advantage as Hungary’s Peter Szabo came home with the fastest speed as he completed the task in the 4:08:21.

It proved to be a fascinating event as Tassilo Bode of Germany was 10 seconds adrift in second, while compatriot Stephan Beck took third.

Britain’s Russell Cheetham retained first position on the leaderboard despite a tough afternoon, where he could only manage 11^th place.

Cheetham has 5,786, with team-mate Andrew Davis, who was fourth during today’s task, occupying second on 5,764.

Defending champion Michael Sommer of Germany is hot on the heels of the British duo in third.

Action in Benalla is due to continue tomorrow.