Australia’s crack 470 sailing team of Mat Belcher and Will Ryan have grabbed the early lead in their bid to claim gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Belcher and Ryan, silver medallists in the same event at Rio 2016, hit the waters of Enoshima on Wednesday for their opening two of 10 regular races.
The Australians finished second and fifth to take top spot on the overall standings.
Some four points separate the leaders and seventh-placed Greeks Panagiotis Mantis and Pavlos Kagialis, reflective of the early stage of proceedings but also perhaps an indicator of how tight competition will be between the medal contenders.
Victorian brothers Sam and Will Phillips, teaming up in the skiff 49er, also banked some promising results after two of their Tuesday heats were postponed because of light and shifty winds.
Australia have 12 points from four 49er races, putting them third on the overall leaderboard.
The Phillips crew finished fourth in Wednesday’s opening race then crossed the line first in the ensuing contest.
Each boat’s worst performance of the regatta does not count towards their final score, while points acquired in the medal race will be worth double.
AAP
For more Olympic Games news:
- Titmus wins her second Olympic gold
- Aussie men’s four claim second rowing gold
- Australian women’s four win rowing gold
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