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Day 6 Stena Match Cup - Ian Williams and GAC Pindar remain top of the WMRT rankings following second place finish in Sweden
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Ian Williams and his GAC Pindar crew were in fine form in Sweden this week, however, Bjorn Hansen (Hansen Racing) proved too strong in the final and sealed a 3-1 victory.
Despite the defeat, Williams and his team are strong contenders this season and they remain at the top of the leader board, eight points ahead of Hansen after two rounds of the World Match Racing Tour.
Williams won his semi final this morning with a convincing victory over Francesco Bruni (Luna Rossa). The Italian Americas cup challenger had no answer to the pace and skill of the GAC Pindar crew, despite winning the first flight on Friday when Williams was given a red flag. However, Williams and the GAC Pindar team fought back to win three flights in succession and progress to the final.
In the final Williams made a dream start, taking the first flight against home favourite Hansen. However, Hansen took the next three flights in impressive style, taking advantage of GAC Pindar’s penalty in the third flight to win by a clear margin. Hansen dominated the fourth flight to seal his third Stena Cup victory in a row.
Speaking after Saturday’s final Williams says: “It’s disappointing not to win, but overall it was a great regatta for us. Everything just fell to Bjorn today, particularly in the last two flights. The first two rounds of the final were nip and tuck and we were disappointed not to go 2-0 up. However, we’re still in a commanding position ahead of Sopot and we’ll go hoping to put in a great performance there.”
The World Racing Tour takes a short break before the next round in Sopot, Poland 31st August – 3rd September.
To follow all the action from the World Match Racing Tour, please visit, www.wmrt.com.
Team GAC Pindar crew: Ian Williams (Skipper), Chris Main (Tactics), Graeme Spence (Bow), Mal Parker and Gerry Mitchell (Trimmers).
For further information on GAC Pindar visit www.gacpindar.com
Photo : © Ian Roman
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