Max Maeder defends European kitefoiling crown; Ex-Wah!Banana star Lev Panfilov jailed in Tinder assault case: Singapore live news
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In a thrilling finale at the Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Turkey, Singapore's Maximilian Maeder defended his title with two decisive race wins on Monday (19 May). Facing formidable opponents like Italy's Riccardo Pianosi, Maeder's tactical acumen and calm under pressure propelled him to the top of the podium. This victory underscores his dominance in the sport and sets the stage for future international competitions.
Lev Panfilov, a Singapore TikToker and former Wah!Banana actor, was sentenced to 11½ years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane for raping a woman he met on Tinder. The assault occurred in 2021 after a scriptwriting meet up turned violent in his bedroom. The victim, an aspiring comedy writer, endured a gruelling 13-day cross-examination during the trial. Panfilov's attempt to flee Singapore mid-trial fuelled the prosecution's case against his lack of remorse. Justice Pang Khang Chau praised the victim's convincing testimony while dismissing Panfilov's inconsistent defence. The case ignited public outrage, particularly over victim-shaming comments from a former Law Society official. Panfilov plans to appeal his conviction and sentence.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Singapore's kitefoiling champion, Maximilian Maeder, successfully retained his Formula Kite European Championships title in Urla, Turkey, on Monday (19 May). The 18-year-old athlete clinched victory by winning two consecutive races in the medal series, overcoming early challenges and fierce competition.
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Maeder's journey to the top was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Despite facing equipment issues and intense pressure, he maintained focus and executed flawless performances in the final races. His ability to stay composed under duress was instrumental in securing the championship.
The victory adds to Maeder's impressive list of achievements, including a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and multiple international titles. His consistent excellence in the sport has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in kitefoiling.
Looking ahead, Maeder's sights are set on upcoming competitions, where he aims to continue his winning streak and further elevate Singapore's presence in the global sailing community.
Lev Panfilov, a 29-year-old TikToker and former Wah!Banana actor, received 11½ years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Monday (19 May), for raping a woman he met on Tinder. The assault unfolded in his bedroom on 12 January 2021, after a scriptwriting session went horribly wrong. The victim, a 30-year-old aspiring comedy writer, bravely testified, earning praise from Justice Pang Khang Chau as an 'unusually convincing' witness.
Panfilov's defence crumbled under inconsistencies, with the judge dismissing his claim of consensual sex. The prosecution slammed his lack of remorse, citing a 13-day cross-examination ordeal for the victim and a sneaky attempt to flee Singapore mid-trial using a new Russian passport.
The high-profile case stirred public outrage, especially after victim-shaming comments from a former Law Society vice-president drew sharp criticism. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam condemned such remarks, emphasising zero tolerance for misogyny. Panfilov, now in custody, plans to appeal.
The victim's ordeal began at a Robertson Quay restaurant, where she and Panfilov worked on her comedy script before heading to his flat. There, a discussion about comedians turned into a nightmare assault, leaving her in physical and emotional pain.
Singapore's kitefoiling champion, Maximilian Maeder, successfully retained his Formula Kite European Championships title in Urla, Turkey, on Monday (19 May). The 18-year-old athlete clinched victory by winning two consecutive races in the medal series, overcoming early challenges and fierce competition.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Int. Kiteboarding Association (@kiteclasses)
Maeder's journey to the top was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Despite facing equipment issues and intense pressure, he maintained focus and executed flawless performances in the final races. His ability to stay composed under duress was instrumental in securing the championship.
The victory adds to Maeder's impressive list of achievements, including a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and multiple international titles. His consistent excellence in the sport has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in kitefoiling.
Looking ahead, Maeder's sights are set on upcoming competitions, where he aims to continue his winning streak and further elevate Singapore's presence in the global sailing community.
Lev Panfilov, a 29-year-old TikToker and former Wah!Banana actor, received 11½ years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane on Monday (19 May), for raping a woman he met on Tinder. The assault unfolded in his bedroom on 12 January 2021, after a scriptwriting session went horribly wrong. The victim, a 30-year-old aspiring comedy writer, bravely testified, earning praise from Justice Pang Khang Chau as an 'unusually convincing' witness.
Panfilov's defence crumbled under inconsistencies, with the judge dismissing his claim of consensual sex. The prosecution slammed his lack of remorse, citing a 13-day cross-examination ordeal for the victim and a sneaky attempt to flee Singapore mid-trial using a new Russian passport.
The high-profile case stirred public outrage, especially after victim-shaming comments from a former Law Society vice-president drew sharp criticism. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam condemned such remarks, emphasising zero tolerance for misogyny. Panfilov, now in custody, plans to appeal.
The victim's ordeal began at a Robertson Quay restaurant, where she and Panfilov worked on her comedy script before heading to his flat. There, a discussion about comedians turned into a nightmare assault, leaving her in physical and emotional pain.
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