Weymouth and Portland International Regatta - Weymouth and Portland, Great Britain

Silja Lehtinen (FIN) advanced to the Final of the Women’s Match Racing competition in style as she breezed past Sally Barkow (USA) 3-0 in the first semi final. But in the second Semi Final Ekaterina Skudina (RUS) was made to work against Claire Leroy (FRA).

The Russian went 2-0 up against the World #1 French match racer but Leroy fought back hard to level the tie at 2-2. It all boiled down to the final race and Leroy had the better of the pre-start forcing Skudina to the right hand side of the course. But Skudina rounded the first mark ahead and gradually extended her lead to win by four boat lengths to advance to the final.

In the Petit Final Leroy faced Barkow to decide the bronze medal. And in the first two races penalties ultimately cost Leroy the race wins as she went 2-0 down. But she was unable to replicate her comeback against Skudina and lost the third flight by four boat lengths.

Skudina and Lehtinen will meet in the Final on Thursday to decide the gold medal.

The 5th through 8th Sail Offs will continue tomorrow followed by the Finals on Thursday.

Olympic Test Event Microsite : http://www.sailing.org/london2012/2011-test-event.php