British sailor wins laser scrap gold

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Sydney: Ben Ainslie secured a double success for Britain on Friday when he won sailing's equivalent of a streetfight to hold off Brazilian world champion Robert Scheidt and win the gold medal in the open laser dinghy class.

Ainslie was named the provisional winner of the gold after a tough battle with Atlanta gold medallist Scheidt during which both boats collided rounding the first mark.

Both sailors crossed the finish line flying protest flags, meaning the result could still be decided in the regatta's international jury room later on Friday.

Ainslie's win came after Scotland's Shirley Robertson held off a late charge from Dutchwoman Margriet Matthysse earlier on Friday to win gold in the women's Europe dinghy class.

Ainslie, the silver medallist four years ago, trailed going into the final race by nine points but claimed gold by a single point.

With boats able to discard their worst two finishes, the Briton knew he could regain the lead and reverse the Atlanta medal order if Scheidt finished well back in the fleet in the final race.

The pair staged a match race down the first leg, with Ainslie tacking constantly in front of Scheidt to ensure the Brazilian stayed well behind the 40-boat fleet.



(c) Reuters Limited.