Team Pindar’s reigning Double ISAF World Match Racing Champion, Ian Williams, claimed fifth place at The Danish Open this weekend and, with just two events remaining, kept his hopes of a consecutive third world title alive.

Despite winning 6 out of his 11 round robin flights, Williams narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals. His victory over France’s Mathieu Richard however, proved crucial in securing him fifth place and 10 points. The event was won by local hero Jes Gram-Hansen, who beat Torvar Mirsky 3-0 in the final.

Mirsky now leads the championship on 88 points, followed by Adam Minoprio (86), Mathieu Richard (72), Peter Gilmour (71) and Ian Williams (70).

Williams commented “It was good to beat Mathieu – at this stage of the season every point counts. Whilst Torvar ( Mirsky) and Adam (Minoprio) have extended their lead, mathematically the title is still in reach. We’ve really got to go for it in Bermuda to be in with a shout in Malaysia, where the additional points will also be vital if we’re to cause an upset.”

The penultimate event of the World Match Racing Tour, The Argo Group Gold Cup in Bermuda will take place from 1-6 October.