London Olympics 2012- Laser - Kontides on the rise

by ISAF on 2 Aug 2012 London Olympics 2012 Sailing competition, Weymouth - Laser Radial class.

Pavlos Kontides (CYP) has edged in front of Tom Slingsby (AUS) in the Laser class following another fantastic day. Having won two races on 31 July, Kontides was the model of consistency once again with a 2-4 on the Weymouth Bay West course to lead on 12 points, one ahead of the Australia.

'It is really important to be consistent,' said Kontides. 'To have a good race is important. When you come to the Olympic Games, which are only held every four years, you should be prepared for everything.

'We are still not finished so really it means nothing. My goal is to win a medal for Cyprus; it will be our first medal in the Olympics.'

Slingsby discards his ninth he picked up in Race 5 and adds a second from Race 6 to sit on 13 points. Even though Kontides is on great form Slingsby isn't letting him affect him, 'Pavlos is taking more risks than me, but it's paying off for him,' said Slingsby. 'I just have to hope he slips up. He's sailing really well at the moment. I just have to sail my way.'

The day's first race win went to New Zealand's Andrew Murdoch who like most Laser sailors throughout the day had been under pressure from the Cypriot. 'We had a good start and I managed to inch my way into the lead,' said Murdoch. 'I enjoyed a comfortable lead for a while but I was under pressure from Pavlos. But I got into the breeze again so I was OK.'

Tonci Stipanovic (CRO) won Race 6 after a third in Race 5. He is third overall on 19 points to put a considerable margin between him and Rasmus Myrgren (SWE) in fourth on 35 points.

The Lasers enjoy a lay day on tomorrow before racing resumes at 12:00 local time on the Nothe Course.

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