Classy HK team dominate in Doha
Hong Kong found themselves in complete command on the second day of the Asian Sailing Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Hong Kong's boardsailors led all three classes after the first four races - women's mistral, men's heavyweight and lightweight mistral.
In the women's event, Chan Wai-kei finished with three wins and one second place and is running away with a seven penalty-point lead over second-placed Tansai Napalai of Thailand, who had collected 12 points.
Chan's younger sister, Wai-man, is currently fifth with 18 points. The youngster suffered an early setback when she was disqualified for jumping the start in the second race, for which she was the first to cross the finish line. Her sister benefited by taking the win.
In the men's event, Ho Chi-ho built up a slender one-point lead over Oka Sulaksana of Indonesia in the heavyweight class. Another Hong Kong boardsailor, Yu Wing-ho, is fifth with 15 points.
The lightweight class was dominated by two Hong Kong participants, with Chan King-yin and Cheng Kwok-fai sharing the top spot on seven points each.
'The team are performing well as we are leading in all three classes,' Hong Kong coach Rene Appel said.
The Hong Kong team are also using the event as their selection trial for the Asian Games in December. Each country or region is allowed to enter one athlete only in each class for the Asiad.
The head coach is in Doha on a dual mission, with Hong Kong trying to get the new RS:X class into the Asian Games.
Although games organisers are keen on the mistral class, the Windsurfing Association of Hong Kong believes there is still a chance to change to the RS:X.
The windsurfing events at 2008 Olympic Games will embrace the RS:X class.
