Defending World Match Racing Champion, Ian Williams (Team Pindar), claimed second place at the St Moritz Match Race this weekend, further extending Team Pindar’s lead on the 2008 World Match Racing Tour.

The sixth race of nine on the 2008 World Match Racing series was raced on Lake St Moritz, in the Engadin region of the southeastern Swiss Alps. Well regarded as one of the most prestigious events on the World Match Racing Tour calendar, teams were competing to claim the title “King of the Mountain.”

Williams and Team Pindar qualified for the quarterfinals in third position, where they faced local skipper Eric Monnin (search.ch) before going on to race against Adam Minoprio (ETNZ/BlackMatch) in the semi final. Mathieu Richard (French Match Racing Team/French Spirit) and Ian Williams (Team Pindar) raced in the final, with the Frenchman, Richard, winning 2 – 0 in light wind conditions. A result which still leaves Ian Williams 20 points clear of Mathieu Richard on the World Match Racing Tour, with just three events remaining.

Speaking after the race, Williams commented; “Our result in St Moritz means we have once again increased our lead on the tour with just three events remaining. Weather conditions on the final day of racing were tough. Richard was quick off the start in both races, and with very light winds we struggled to close their lead. We will now focus on Troia Portugal Match Cup, where we will be looking to improve on last year’s second place and set a precedent going into the final stages of the 2008 tour.”

Action resumes in Portugal on September 23, which should be another exciting installment on the World Match Racing Tour.