Wizard of Oz wins world title
TOM SLINGSBY graced his talent over Hayling Island as he won the Laser World Championships.
It was a perfect present for the Australian, who was celebrating his 26th birthday along with his victory on Sunday.
The strong Hayling currents proved challenging for competitors but Slingsby was in superb form to claim his third world crown in four years.
British sailor Nick Thompson came close but couldn't catch the determined Aussie, having to settle for second spot.
Both competitors experienced heart-stopping moments when both capsized early in the race, but it was Slingsby who held his nerve to claim the gold.
Slingsby has been underperforming in recent times, though.
The hotly-tipped favourite to triumph at the 2008 Olympic games disappointed fans then, finishing an unconvincing 22nd.
Last year's World Championships saw him finish a modest 17th but still there was room for improvement.
But this season has been more positive for Slingsby, who has regained his form to land his second world title in as many weeks.
The Australian won the Etchell Championship with John Bertrand and Andrew Palfrey just over a week ago in Dublin.
Slingsby said "It is amazing for me. After four-and-a-half months in Europe, to finish off with two world titles in two weeks and Sunday being my birthday, it could not be better."
Thompson was the first Brit home taking the runners-up spot, with Olympic champion Paul Goodison back in ninth place.
And they are both aiming to be in the Great Britain squad for the London 2012 Olympics.
"I'm really pleased," said Lymington-based Thompson. "We've had an absolutely cracking event.
"I don't think we've done many events where we've got all the racing in and pretty much on time.
"So it's been really good from that point of view and it's been a good challenge as well.
"We've pretty much had every condition thrown at us so I'm really, really pleased to have come away with a silver.
"I think both Paul and I have proven that we're capable of medalling, so this evens things up a little bit more between us I guess.
"But Paul is a very, very, very good competitor.
"I feel a bit bad for him this week – he really sailed well in Hayling and just fell on the wrong side of some bad luck."
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Weather for Hayling
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
