Chicago Match Race Center Autumn Open B Event win to Macgregor

by Chicago Match Race Center on 13 Sep 2011 British Olympian Lucy Macgregor led her team to victory in the Autumn Open B Event during their first stay in Chicago. Yesterday, Macgregor's team placed fourth on the leader board and continued to move up in the rankings until she won the event sweeping the finals. With the idyllic weather, the race committee was able to complete their plan of a Quarter Final Round Robin, Consolation Round Robin, Semi's and Finals.

Macgregor took three losses in the second round robin, but was still able to sneak in to the Semi's with seven points. Joining them in the Semi's by winning the round robin was top seed, fellow 2012 Olympic hopeful Brad Funk, local favorite Don Wilson, and Seah Chin Yew with Team Zoke Kiwi Match. Wilson had a promising day yesterday going undefeated except to Funk. However, he was knocked out of the Semi's by Macgregor's team who continued on to face Funk in the Finals.

The Finals moved quickly with the breeze picking up to 15 knots. After losing to Funk twice prior in the event and suffering in yesterday's chop, the odds were against the ladies' team and their coach. However, Macgregor was able to work the flat water and while the races remained close took the event in two wins against Funk.

Tomorrow, Macgregor with her team Annie Lush, Kate Macgregor and coach Maurice Paardenkooper are moving up to Sheboygan, WI for the Nation's Cup where she will rejoin Shawn Bennett, Team Zoke Kiwi Match in the open event and Sharon Ferris-Choat in the women's.

Full Results:
1) Lucy Macgregor 5-4, 2-3, 2-0, 2-0
2) Brad Funk 7-2, 5-0, 2-0, 0-2
3) Don Wilson 8-1, 2-3, 0-2, 2-0
4) Seah Chin Yew 7-2, 3-2, 0-2, 0-2
5) Shawn Bennett 4-5, 2-3
6) David Storrs 5-4, 1-4
7) Sharon Ferris-Choat 3-6, 2-0
8) David Tabb 3-6, 2-0
9) Jakub Pawluk 2-7, 1-2
10) John Horsch 1-8, 0-3

At the end of the month, Chicago Match Race Center will be moving to Navy Pier for the inaugural Chicago Match Cup Grade 1 which will feature 12 teams from around the world, Oktoberfest for local fans, and live video for those watching from home. Be sure to check it out at website