Brazilians cling on for victory

Sailing: Claudio Cardoso and Frederico Monterio shrugged aside what they regarded as a South African attempt to sabotage their chances to sweep to victory in the Hobie Cat 16 World Championships yesterday, writes Stuart Alexander from Dubai.

The Brazilian pair thought they had been deliberately blocked in the first race by a South African crew out of the medal contention. But the South African leaders, William and Lucinda Edwards slipped to finish second. Britain's Matthew Eeles and Philip Hilyard were 45th.

The elimination of Lawrie Smith and crew Chris Mason by Glyn Charles and George Skoudas in the trial to find Britain's representative in the Star class at the Olympics this summer was emphatic. Charles, who failed to win the Olympic slot in his first choice, the three-man Soling, had better boat speed in most conditions, even the light, where Smith thought he may have an edge. "This was no fluke result, nor was it against the run of play" Rod Carr, the Olympic team manager, said.

HOBIE CAT 16 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (Dubai) Final standings: 1 C Cardoso and F Monterio (Bra) 60.75pts; 2 W and L Edwards (SA) 64.8; 3 A Worrall and D Sylvester (Aus) 68. GB: 45 M Eeles and P Hilyard 241.