THREE-TIME Hong Kong champion Sam Wong Tak-sum confirmed his status as the territory's number one sailboarder by winning all three races in the opening day of the Mobil Hong Kong Circuit off Cheung Chau Island yesterday.
The former Asian champion outclassed 69 competitors from the six regional teams as he capitalised on his superior fitness and pumped his way to victory in very light wind.
The breeze was so gentle that officials almost had to call off the two afternoon races which were eventually held over a shortened course after a two-hour delay.
Wong's clean sweep of the three IMCO board races virtually assured him of the Cheung Chau leg. Only two more races have been scheduled for today and the top 20 finishers also qualify for the short course Funboard Cup event.
''I'm very happy with my performance,'' said 28-year-old Wong. ''I'm physically in top form now and I'm hopeful of winning the other two races tomorrow to clinch the Cheung Chau title with an unbeaten record.'' Hong Kong teenage international Anthony Lau Chun-ho holds second position overnight with two second-place finishes and one fourth - ahead of women's world champion Lee Lai-shan.
Lee, born and bred on Cheung Chau Island, enjoyed no advantage sailing on home waters because of the light winds. She was also recovering from a bout of influenza.