 |
|
Yin Jian of China competing in the RS:X women's windsurfing class rounds the down windward mark during the second race of the sailing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Qingdao, Shandong province, August 11, 2008. [Agencies]
|
Windsurfer Yin makes flying start
Windsurfer Yin Jian made a flying start to her bid to win a first sailing gold for China by powering to victory in the opening two races Monday.
The 29-year-old Yin, silver medalist four years ago in Athens, led around every mark in both races in Fushan Bay. Yin was cheered on by a large number of home spectators lining the 534m-long main breakwater at the Olympic Sailing Center.
Yin was reluctant to talk to reporters but her coach, Jiang Chen, said she had implemented their pre-race plan to perfection.
"Her performance today in this wind was very good and she is a strong challenger in this event," he said.
China has won two silver medals in Olympic sailing - Yin four years ago and Zhang Xiaodong in 1992, also in windsurfing - but never gold.
In the men's event, China's Wang Aichen lay third after two races, with Israel's Shahar Zubari taking a victory and a third place to lead overall.
Zubari is bidding to become the second Israeli to win Olympic gold in any sport after Gal Fridman's windsurfing triumph in Athens. The 21-year-old Zubari beat his friend Fridman to win selection for these Games.
"I had two really good races, It's a good start, I'm really happy but it's just the beginning and everything can change," he said.
Asked if Fridman had passed on any tips, Zubari told Reuters: "Not really, but if I need any I know where to go to. We spoke a few days ago, nothing serious ... like friends do."
Defending champion Ben Ainslie seized the lead in the Finn class to lead by one point from American Zach Railey after six races.
Ainslie finished first and 10th in the day's skirmishes, although his 10th place can be discarded from his points total. After five races competitors are allowed to discard their worst race score.
Each event consists of an opening series - 10 races in all classes, except the 49er for which 15 are scheduled - and then the medal race for the top 10 for which double points are scored.