The Slovenian had triumphed at the 2009 edition of the Games in Italy but the specialist in the discipline was left flummoxed by the conditions at the Skydive Dubai dropzone.

Feraric had aimed to finish within one centimetre of the target, place on the beach, but instead landed 28 centimetres away from the mark to suffer an early setback to his ambitions of back-to-back titles.

"I saw the glider before me left their approach too high and overshot, so I came in lower," he said.

"But then I landed short."

The event proved to be one of the highlights of the second day of competition at the Games, which features 23 different disciplines are being contested across 12-days of action.

The World Air Sports Federation (FAI) claim thousands of spectators witnessed the spectacular airshow in the city, which coincided with the United Arab Emirates National Day celebrations.

One of the early events to take to the sky was the powered aerobatics competition, featuring eight skilled pilots.

The competitors, selected from around the world, were flying in the first round of the event in their €400,000 (£288,000/$436,200) aircraft with spectators watching their spectacular display.

Further powered aerobatics displays are set to take place until December 5, when the winners will be revealed.

Paramotoring, aerobatic gliding and hot air ballooning events were also held throughout the day, with the Games official Opening Ceremony due to be held this evening at the Skydive Dubai dropzone.

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