The final day of racing in Key Biscayne left one major question to be answered: Who will be the last country to qualify for a spot in the 2012 Women’s Match Racing Event at the 2012 Olympic Games? Denmark took and early 2-0 lead in the best of five series, but Argentina fought back with two wins to force a thrilling race five. In the final race, Denmark had a great start and led most of the race until 300 meters from the finish when the Argentinian’s were able to steal the wind from the Danes. The Danes stayed just enough in control until it was time to gybe for the finish and were able to hang on for the win!
In the other match on the water, Finland won all three matches over the Spanish to win the event. Although in most events the Finals on the last day are the premier match to watch, in this event all eyes were on the Petit-Finals to see who would be the last country to punch their tickets to the Olympics. The Argentinians and Danes did not disappoint the spectators!
Final Day’s Results:
Final: Finland defeats Spain 3-0
Petit-Final: Denmark defeats Argentina 3-2
The top three countries from this event (Finland, Spain, and Denmark) will will join the nine countries that have already qualified for the2012 Olympic Sailing Competition (Australia, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Sweden, Russia, and USA).
Final Standings:
1 - FINLAND - Silja Lehtinen, Mikaela Wulff, Silja Kanerva
2 - SPAIN - Tamara Echegoyen, Angela Pumariega, Sofía Toro
3 - DENMARK - Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, Susanne Boidin, Tina Schmidt Gramkov
4 - ARGENTINA - Martina Silva, Ana Lucía Silva, María Trinidad Silva
5 - SLOVENIA - Vesna Dekleva Paoli, Katarina Kersevan, Lena Koter
6 - GERMANY - Silke Hahlbrock, Anke Lukosch, Maren Hahlbrock
7 - CANADA - Sharon Ferris-Choat, Caroline Kaars Sijpesteijn, Joanne Prokop
8 - CHINA - Ru Wang, Li Xiaoni, Pan Ting Ting
9 - BRAZIL - Renata Decnop, Gabriela Nicolino, Larissa Juk
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The 2102 WMRICOQR have been hosted by Key Biscayne Yacht Club, WIMRA, and Sail Sheboygan with the support of North Sails.
For more information, visit the regatta website:
2012 Women’s Match Racing International Country Olympic Qualifying Regatta - www.sailsheboygan.org/WMR-2012.php
