EUROPE'S POINTS SCORE CLOSED UP

by Isabelle Musy on 23 Sep 2000 Britain's Robertson keeps the lead when Denmark's Roug and Argentina Amato are joint overall 2nd. Heat 6 winner Spain's Garriga takes over Mathijsse's 4th position in the point's table.

It was another tricky day on the Sydney Harbour for the 27-nation Women's Europe fleet which sailed two races on course D between Middle and North head in a fickling east- south-east 6 to 8 knots breeze.
Light conditions which don't suit tough Dutch Atlanta Silver Medallist Margriet Matthijsse, biggest favourite before this regatta, who doesn't seem to quite find her usual outstanding sailing skills.
The girl, who won the first race of this regatta, dropped tonight from 4th to 5th place in the overall point's table after constant but below par performances as she finished in 6th and 5th.
It's Neus Garriga who's taken the overall 4th position after snatching her first victory in today's heat 6.
The Spanish contender sailed a brilliant race as she got in the lead right after the start and managed to build it as she crossed the finish line 31 seconds ahead of Argentinean Serena Amato.
The latter who was very consistent today on the water as she also came 2nd of race 5, is now sharing overall 2nd place with Atlanta Gold Medallist Kristine Roug.
The score closed up in this most physical demanding female Class.
Robertson, who is doing her third Olympic Games, sure has a good few points lead.
However, the medal contention remains open and most competitive, as there are still 5 races to go.

RACE 6 RESULTS: 1. ESP, 2. ARG, 3. CZE, 4. BEL, 5. NED, 6. DEN, 7. IRL, 8. POL, 9. AUT, 10. AUS.
PROGRESSIVE RESULTST AFTER 6 RACES AND ONE DISCARD: 1. GBR 15 PTS, 2. DEN 24 PTS, 3. ARG 24 PTS 4. ESP 29 PTS, 5. NED 33 PTS, 6. BEL 34 PTS, 7. IRL 41 PTS, 8. GER 46 PTS, 9. ITA 47 PTS, 10. CZE 48 PTS.