Sailing: Law has good start in Japan

CHRIS LAW, Britain's world-ranked No 2, was in joint second place yesterday with Germany's Markus Weiser and Bertrand Pace of France, each having five wins from eight starts in the opening stages of the World Match Racing Championships in Japan.

The clear leader and unbeaten in two days after the opening was delayed because of high winds on Monday, is the local champion, Peter Gilmour. The Australian has been nominated skipper of the Nippon Challenge for the America's Cup, which starts in Auckland in 11 months' time.

In the Atlantic, the 50ft class leader, Ellen MacArthur, reports tough times on Kingfisher as she battles against the weather three days into the Route du Rhum race from St Malo to Guadeloupe.

"Once again a freezing gale-strewn night with 30 knots and a horrific motion," the 22-year old from Derbyshire said. "My speed was around 12 to 13 knots, but I am feeling a little nervous. I am expecting much more wind so I am hoping I don't have to change headsails in this."