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8 April 2004, 11:25 am

Aussies On Top Downunder

Laser Radial Open and Women's World Championships

Brisbane

In today's final day of racing at the Laser Radial Open and Women's World Championship, Michael BLACKBURN (AUS) and Krystal WEIR (AUS) continued their form to claim the respective Open and Women's World Championship titles.

Going into the final day of racing, whilst Weir had a clear margin over the pack, Blackburn needed to place ahead of rival Tom SLINGSBY (AUS) who led going into the final day. Both were successful in their defences.

Krystal WEIR has a strong pedigree sailing in the Laser Radial, taking the silver medal at the 2003 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, placing 44th in the 2003 Laser Radial World Championship Youth Fleet, and taking the bronze medal in the 2003 Laser Radial Women's World Championship. In 2002, Krystal was also at the ISAF Youth World, where she placed eighth in the Byte Class.

Michael BLACKBURN is another sailor who needs little introduction. He has been nominated by Yachting Australia to compete at the 2004 Olympic Games, and subject to approval by the Australian National Olympic Committee, he will be on the start line in Athens. A bronze medal at the 2003 ISAF World Championship in Cadiz, a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Regatta, and a fourth at the 1996 Olympic Regatta demonstrate Michael's top form. Results at the 2003 Athens Test Event, where Michael placed fourth, also indicates the likely form to be found in Athens in August 2004.

The final overall results are not yet available on the Championship website, but the provisional overall results are as follows:

Open Gold Fleet
1. Michael Blackburn (AUS) - 9.0
2. Aron Lolic (CRO) - 23.0
3. Tom Slingsby (AUS) - 34.00

Open Silver Fleet
1. Alden Shattuck (USA) - 197.0
2. Matthew Sanderson (AUS) - 200.0
3. David Chew (AUS) - 208.0

Womens Fleet
1. Krystal Weir (AUS) - 10.0
2. Christine Bridge (AUS) - 30.0
3. Cecilia Carranza Saroli (ARG) - 40.5

The Laser Radial Youth World Championship starts on Saturday 10 April with racing commencing on Monday 12 April.