AUSTRALIA'S GOLDEN DAY
by Isabelle Musy on 27 Sep 2000
Isabelle Musy
People on the spectators boats will hold their breathe during today's final
race of men's and women's 470's which could see Australia reach a gold medal
in sailing for the first time since 1972.
In the women's fleet, Jenny Armstrong and Belinda Stowell have a comfortable
9 points lead over their closest opponents, the Gemans and the Americans.
The Australian pair must finish in the top 9 to grab the gold medal.
The threat comes from both the Germans and the Americans. Both pair could
deprive Australia from the gold medal by wining heat 11 and with Armstrong
and Stowell finishing in 9th or worse.
In the men's fleet, Tom King and Mark Turnbull are also leading and are
therefore in a good position to reach gold although the task might be a bit
harder for them as they must finish in the top 5.
Top world ranked, Americans Paul Foerster and Bob Merrick, are the only real
threat to King and Turnbull for gold. To get the most precious medal, the
Americans must win the final race with the Australians finishing six or
worse.
The world expert in the 470 class, Victor Kovalenko, coach of both crew,
made sure yesterday that the two pairs would keep away from the pressure.
What is sure is it will be a most intense final race on the Sydney Harbour
and it could be a huge day for Australian Yachting.
WOMEN'S PROGRESSIVES RESULTS AFTER 10 RACES AND 2 DISCARDS: 1. AUS 32 PTS,
2. GER 41 PTS, 3. USA 41 PTS, 4. ISR 42 PTS, 5. UKR 45 PTS, 6. ESP 50 PTS,
7. JPN 55 PTS. 8. ITA 56 PTS, 9. SWE 57 PTS. 10. ARG 59 PTS.
MENS' PROGRESSIVE RESULTS AFTER 10 RACES AND 2 DISCARDS: 1. AUS 36 PTS, 2.
USA 41 PTS, 3. ARG 47 PTS, 4. GBR 51 PTS, 5. POR 52 PTS, 6. ESP 64 PTS, 7.
RUS 65 PTS, 8. NZL 68 PTS, 9. UKR 69 PTS. 10 GRE 72 PTS.
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