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Silver at worst for Ainslie

Silver at worst as Ainslie becomes Britain's best sailor.

By Paul Higham Last updated: 15th August 2008

Ainslie: Silver sorted

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Britain's sailing maestro Ben Ainslie has done enough to ensure a silver at worst after coming second in his eighth Finn class race, and he is a huge favourite to scoop a third consecutive gold on Saturday.

Ainslie has been left kicking his heels after some weather delays in Qingdao, rubbing out Thursday's programme completely and a big delay on Friday's sailing.

However, once the regatta got back underway, Ainslie showed why he is the master of the seas as sailed his way into a silver medal at worst.

Ainslie took a 30-second advantage after the second mark, but was then caught by the Spanish boat which went on to win the race.

Good enough

However, a second-placed finish from Ainslie was good enough as his nearest challenger, Zach Railey of the United States only finished 19th while France's Guillaume Florent came 21st.

The results made sure that Ainslie will achieve his goal of becoming Britain's most successful Olympic sailor ever by eclipsing Rodney Pattison and winning a fourth medal.

It looks like that fourth medal will be gold too, as with 21 points and 12 ahead of Riley, the Briton needs to finish no worse than six places behind the American in Saturday's medal race to win a third straight gold.

Yngling battle

Britain's Yngling girls did not do as well though, with Sarah Ayton, Sarah

Webb and Pippa Wilson only coming in fifth place in race eight to make it a real fight for their title.

The two-time world champions were 52 seconds behind the Netherlands and the result meant that they now hold just a one-point lead in the standings.

A poor result from the American boat means that the trip are guaranteed a bronze, but they want gold and it will be all to play for in Saturday's double points medal race.