after carrying the Island's banner at the World Championships of Water Skiing in Singapore.

The duo spent time competing in both the slalom and tricks competitions, but endured a tough time in less than ideal conditions along the Kalang River.

Strong currents and changing tides hindered most participants, as even leading technical controller Alain Ascott of France criticized the conditions.

"We were ready and had prepared ourselves throughout the year for the tournament and when we got there the conditions weren't up to world class capability,'' said Richardson.

"It was not conducive to good scores at all. I've never complained at all at any of the previous competitions, but this one was the worst I've been to.

"However, I am grateful for the experience as well as the support given by sponsors Butterfield and Vallis, Marine Locker and Hattrick in our endeavours.'' Richardson, appearing at the Worlds for the sixth time, placed 69th out of a field of 120, while Butterfield placed in the lower half among the women in her first try.

Having a personal best of 4,070 in the tricks category, the former was disappointed at only being able to produce a total of 1,800 to go along with two and a half (buoys) at 28 (feet) off in the slalom.

Butterfield had scores of 780 and one at 15 off for the two disciplines.

Their combined results gave Bermuda 32nd place among 37 countries taking part, with Canada emerging as the overall champions.

Frenchman Patrice Martin beat out his male counterparts for the overall title through two second place finishes (slalom and tricks) and cruised to ninth in the jumping phase. Natalia Romansaevar of Russia captured the women's crown.

Despite the poor results the veteran Richardson remained upbeat and said he was looking forward to the Latin American Championships in March in Argentina and the Group I Water Skiing Championships in Brazil a month later.

The next world championships are set for Nice, France in 1995.

"There are a lot of good things happening with the sport as well as myself,'' added Richardson. "In 1995 water skiing will be introduced at the Pan Am Games.

"Also, money has been granted to the International Water Skiing Federation and at the congress meeting I was picked to be a coach and travel to some of the smaller countries -- possibly in the Caribbean -- to develop clinics for the sport.''