Solid start for Mirsky Racing Team in Korea

8:57 PM Wed 3 Jun 2009 GMT

Once again another light wind venue saw tough conditions for all competitors at the second Korea Match Cup held in the Gyeonggi Province. Mirsky Racing Team sits with one win one loss on the opening day.

After a morning of ceremonial proceedings which involved greetings from government officials and dignitaries Mirsky Racing Team hit the water late afternoon for the start of the round robin stage.

The first race saw MRT face local sailor Byeong Ki Park (Korea) who qualified for the event through the Korean Match Racing Championships. After comfortably winning the start MRT held the lead throughout the race to take victory in race one.

Last weeks winner in Match Race Germany, Team Origin (Ben Ainslie) was the next race on the draw. A lightwind prestart saw Team Origin receive a penalty but also win the advantage off the start line. In the light winds the passing lanes were minimised and Team Origin managed to extend enough to complete their penalty and defeat MRT.

Tomorrow large crowds are expected to gather on the foreshore to watch the racing with the benefit of onboard cameras and live commentary.

For more information and live updates, please visit www.mirskyracingteam.netor www.worldmatchracingtour.com

Results: (win-loss)

Bahrain Team Pindar GBR (Williams) 2-0
Team Origin GBR (Ainslie) 2-0
Team Yanmar AUS (Gilmour) 2-0
Mirsky Racing Team AUS (Mirsky) 1-1
K Challenge / French Match Racing Team FRA (COL) 1-1
French Spirit FRA (Richard) 1-1
ETNZ Blackmatch NZL (Minoprio) 1-1
Team Onboard SWE (Hansen) 1-1
Team Shosholoza ITA (Cian) 1-1
Kiwi Match NZL (Jury) 0-2
Byeong Ki Park KOR 0-2
French Match Racing Team FRA (Presti) 0-2

A special thanks to Line7, Harken and the Royal Perth Yacht Club for their support.

by Kinley Fowler - MRT