Cheng in sailing top ten at Rio 2016
Sailor Colin Cheng finished the first day of the Olympic sailing competition today (Aug 9) in ninth place, after two races.
Racing in his second Olympics, after his debut in London 2012, the 26-year-old finished fifth in his first race today at the Marina da Gloria in Rio. He then finished 20th in his second race to finish the day with 25 points.
Cheng's coach Brett Beyer said: "It was a solid start for Colin with a fifth and 20th placing from the 46-boat fleet. In the first race... his downwind sailing is very good technically and tactically.
"In the second race, the wind became erratic with large pressure and angle changes. There were many boats making gains and losses around the course with each of these changes.
"So too did Colin, but some tactical errors cost him a little at times. Nonetheless, it was good to get the first day locked away and we can all sleep well knowing that his sailing is competitive with the very best in the world."
Croatia's Tonci Stipanovic topped the 46-strong field in the class after the first day of racing. He won the first race, and finished fifth in the second.
The Laser sailors will race twice each day from now till Sunday, except a rest day on Friday, after which the top 10 sailors will enter the medal race on Aug 16.
Cheng had a similar start in London four years ago, when he finished fourth in his first race. He eventually finished 15th, the best finish by an Asian in that class.
Meanwhile, teammate Elizabeth Yin finished her first day of racing 27th in the Laser Radial class.
The 25-year-old, who also made her debut in London, was 21st out of 36 boats in the first race, and finished 30th in the second race.
Also, Leonard Ong (men's RS:X) and Audrey Yong (women's RS:X) were in action today at the Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro.
RESULTS
Laser (46 boats)
Colin Cheng: 5th, 20th
Laser Radial (36 boats)
Elizabeth Yin: 21st, 30th
Men's RS:X (36 boats)
Leonard Ong: 33rd, 33rd, 35th
Women's RS:X (26 boats) Audrey Yong: 25th, 25th, 24th
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
