Date:19/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/19/stories/2007101956352100.htm

Sport

Russian pair emerges on top

Nandakumar Marar

MUMBAI: Russians Andrey Kiriljuk and Maksim Semerhanov skimmed over the waves in style, winning two races and finishing among the top five after seven races at the CISM 4th Military World Games sailing event, held off waters at Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, on Thursday.

India’s Commander R. Mahesh and Girdharilal Yadav grabbed the second place in the first race, third in the next to maintain the lead over France.

With just three races remaining on the concluding day, India is in line for a coveted gold medal.

Wind conditions delayed the start and the third race had to be cancelled.

The Russian duo performed in tough conditions, aided by a total overhaul of their Enterprise Class boats.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Russian sailors said that for the past two days they were not very comfortable with their boat, due to which a finish among the top slots didn’t happen. With seven races completed and each team allowed to discard the worst performance, the standings have India on top (10 points), followed by France (16), Spain (20), Finland (21) and Russia (26) in that order.

Positions after seven races (with one discard): 1. India (R.Mahesh-Girdharilal Yadav) 10 points; 2. France (Nicolas Pauchet-Besson Billy) 16; 3. Spain (Jose Medina Ruiz-Francisco Soto Loureiro) 20; 4. Finland (Anttila Teemu-Tamminem Sami) 21; 5. Russia (Andrey Kiriljuk-Maksim Semerhanov) 26; 6. Germany (Lucas Zellmer-Heiko Seelig) 44; 7. Greece(Vasilas Georgios-Mitakis Evangelos) 47; 8. Norway (Bratbak Pal-Johansen Anders) 47; 9. Poland (Mysliweic Wojoceich-Kaminski Jremeusr) 50; 10. Turkey (Selim Kakis-Koroglu Ahmet) 54.