LIGHTWEIGHT THREATENS LASER MASTERS

by Ian Grant on 26 Sep 2000 Tall and slim Portuguese Laser skipper Gustavo Lima may have the right physique to upset the Laser masters in the final races to decide the Olympic Medals on the tricky Sydney Harbour courses.

Lima ranked 10th in the World has improved his rating to be presently holding fourth place just behind the Medal leaders after six races.

After one discard in the six races decided Lima sits on 33 points, only four points behind third placed Michael Blackburn of Australian and 20 points adrift of title leader Ben Ainslie of Great Britain the defending Silver Medallist from Atlanta.

Gold Medal title holder Robert Scheidt of Brazil holds second place, four points behind Ainslie.

All three leaders have a bodyweight advantage over the 70 kg Lima who has shown the tenacity and technique to hang on in the stronger breezes while recording top six placing's in four of the lighter wind races.

Lima has surprised the Atlanta Bronze Medallist Peer Moberg of Norway with his consistent speed and placing's with Moberg only finishing head once in six races.

Physical endurance, tactical skill and the ability to sail fast for consistent places will be the Medal deciding issues in this highly competitive class with Lima changing from a pretender to a serious contender if light 7-10 knot winds prevail.

The fleet will contest another two important heats today and if the winds remain fickle then Lima who is 8 kilograms lighter than the leader Ainslie may press home an advantage.

PROGRESSIVE POINTS (6 races 1drop) Provisional: GBR 13PTS 1, BRA 17PTS 2, AUS 29PTS 3,POR 33PTS 4, NED 36PTS 5, AUT 40PTS 6, NOR 44PTS 7, POL 51PTS 8, RSA 53PTS 9, SWE 55PTS 10.