Team Pindar’s Ian Williams has got off to a strong start at the Argo Group Gold Cup in Bermuda. Six wins and just one defeat in the round robin stage have guaranteed him a place in the quarter-finals tomorrow, keeping his world title hopes alive.

Williams, who is also sponsored by Argo Group for this event, lost just one flight to Eric Monnin (SUI) on the first day of racing in light winds, finishing the day with a 3-1 scorecard.

On day two, the breeze built steadily during the morning, with gusts in the low twenties. The reigning Double World Match Racing Champion won a further three flights and enjoyed an exciting battle against Damian Iehl (FRA), who, whilst leading, had to complete a penalty turn. Despite completing his penalty and finishing ahead, he also infringed Williams in the process, resulting in a second penalty for Iehl and a win for Team Pindar. Williams’ next match was short lived after Keith Swinton (AUS) broke his boom during the pre-start and in the final race of the day, Williams defeated current tour leader, Torvar Mirsky (NZL).

Speaking from Bermuda, Williams commented, ‘We are really pleased to have confirmed our place in the quarter-finals already. Having completed all our matches in the round robin, we can spend today recharging our batteries and ensuring we are 100% prepared for tomorrow.’

The top two teams from three groups, plus the top two from a ‘repecharge’ round robin progress to the quarter finals on Friday, followed by the semi-finals on Saturday and final and petit-final on Sunday October 11.

Team Pindar’s crew for the event: Mark Nicholls, Richard Sydenham and Gerry Mitchell