(from the Match Cup Sweden web site - www.matchcupsweden.com)

The gold in Match Cup Sweden went to French sailing star Claire Leroy. But the victory did not come easy. Young uprising GKSS-sailor Anna Kjellberg really showed skill and spirit in the Finals today.

Anna’s aggressive sailing did put Claire Leroy to the test. Anna won the start with an inch but during the first upwind leg Claire Leroy really showed why she is ranked number one in the world. With perfect tacking Claire passed Anna. After coming around for the first downwind leg the raising of the spinnaker went smooth for Claire Leroy and she was able to further widen the distance with controlled gibing in the weak afternoon winds.

After that point, the race was completely in Claire Leroy’s hands. But even though Anna Kjellberg came so close to winning Match Cup Sweden she was not disappointed after the match.

“This feels great. The team has done so well and Claire Leroy is a really experienced sailor. Tonight we are going to party!” the happy home skipper said.

A new sailing star is born. Anna Kjellberg shined just like the hot sun in Marstrand when she surprised everyone and sailed right into the world’s sailing elite. The GKSS-sailor had never entered a tour event before and sailed all the way to the finals in Match Cup Sweden. The world’s number one, French Claire Leroy, was clearly beaten by Anna in of the races but finally won with 3-1.

Final Results
Anna Kjellberg (1) v Claire Leroy (3)

Third place Results
Linda Rahm (2) v Jenny Axhede (1)

Semi Final Results
Linda Rahm (0) v Claire Leroy (3)
Anna Kjellberg (3) v Jenny Axhede (1)

Placements:

1. Claire Leroy (FRA)
2. Anna Kjellberg (SWE)
3. Linda Rahm (SWE)
4. Jenny Axhede (SWE)
5. Lotte Melgaard Pedersen (DEN)
6. Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN)
7. Katie Spithill (AUS)
8. Sandy Hayes (USA)