Reigning Double ISAF World Match Racing Champion, Briton Ian Williams, has kept his championship hopes alive by finishing third at the St Moritz Match Race in Switzerland – climbing to fourth in the tour standings.

Having lost to eventual winner, Adam Minoprio (ETNZ/BlackMatch) in the semis, Williams went on to beat Philippe Presti (French Match Racing Team) 2-1, in the ‘petit final’. The result earned Williams 15 points and sees him climb from fifth to fourth place in the rankings, with three events remaining.

24-year-old New Zealander, Minoprio now leads the championship on 86 points followed by Torvar Mirsky (74), and Mathieu Richard (68). Ian is on 64 points.

Speaking after the event, Williams commented: “It’s been a tough week with some very challenging conditions. On the one hand we’re really pleased to have gained a place in the standings and close the gap on Mathieu Richard, but Adam’s win has certainly boosted his position.”

With just a short turn around, the teams now head to Denmark, where Williams will be looking to defend his Danish Open crown. “We really need a big result in Denmark this week to keep in contention for the title.” He continued. “After that, there’s just one event left (in Bermuda) before the Monsoon Cup in Malaysia. With additional points on offer there and with the leader board changing after each event, it promises to be a really exciting climax to the season.”

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