Ben Ainslie's gold medal hopes hit after losing out to Finn leader Jonas Hogh-Christensen yet again

Ben Ainslie now lies in second place (GETTY IMAGES)

Ben Ainslie saw his assault on Olympic gold stutter once again today as he finished behind Finn leader Jonas Hogh-Christensen for a fifth time at London 2012.

The three-time gold medallist is the undoubted star of the British sailing team and over-riding favourite to top the podium on home waters.

However, Ainslie has failed to overcome Hogh-Christensen this week and got off to a poor start in today's first race.

The 35-year-old managed to claw back places as the race went on, but could only finish fourth as the Dane got his third bullet of the regatta to extend his lead at the top of the overall standings.

Ainslie moves up to second but lies nine points shy of Hogh-Christensen after both their worst results are discarded.

Overall for the British team, though, it was a better start to the day after a frustrating time on Monday.

Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson continued their fine form in the Star class by winning race five at a canter, with rivals Brazil following them home 50 seconds later.

Olympic debutant Ali Young followed up her sturdy start to the regatta with a second in the day's first Laser Radial race, which was won by Ireland's Annalise Murphy for the third race in succession.

Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes started well in the 49er class, having posted two 12th place finishes yesterday.

The British pair finished the day's first race third and were well placed in the second, only to capsize and come home 18th.

Australia's Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen continue to lead the 49er class after finishing second to New Zealand in the first race and fourth in the second, having capsized when leading.

Meanwhile, the RS:X class began today and Nick Dempsey got off to solid start, hauling himself up the fleet in both races to post a fifth and seventh.

The Norwich-born windsurfer was fourth overall, while the Netherlands' Dorian van Rijsselberge won both races.

PA