China Leads After Day One In the Women's RS:X

[Source: ISAF] Athens silver medallist Jian YIN of China got off to a flying start in the Women's RS:X fleet, winning both opening races on Monday.

The Women’s RS:X fleet completed both of their opening races in light and shifty airs on course area A, conditions in which Jian YIN (CHN) excels. She led both races from start to finish to get her campaign off to a perfect start and give the watching spectators on the breakwater plenty to cheer about.

The 29 year old, who came within a whisker of winning gold in Athens four years ago, was understandable satisfied with her first day’s performance. "I think I performed really well and if I keep doing what I did today I will definitely end up with a medal," she commented.

Jian Yin , left, powers away from the starting line. Photo copyright DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images

Best of the rest amongst the 27-strong fleet was the experienced Jessica CRISP of Australia. She lies second overall after 2, 4 scores on Monday, although she acknowledged the Chinese sailor was the star of the day, "YIN is the one to beat. She had an impressive day. She had an excellent start and led all the way. But I'm happy with how I started the race. Nothing's final because it's only the first day. There's a long way to go," said CRISP.

Bryony SHAW (GBR), winners of last year’s Test Event in Qingdao, is one point behind CRISP in third. Thanks to YIN’s success, her strategy for the day worked out perfectly, "I made a great decision to follow the Chinese girl since she had great local knowledge, but my personal sailing has improved since last year. In order to get to the top in this class, it's all about fitness and speed,” she said.

It was a disappointing first day for Athens gold medallist Faustine MERRET of France. She was disqualified from race 2 following a mark rounding incident with world #1 Marina ALABAU (ESP) and consequently lies 19th overall.

ALABAU herself had a solid start with 3, 5 scores and lies just behind another of the regatta favourites, triple Olympic medallist and reigning World Champion Alessandra SENSINI (ITA), who is fourth overall with 6, 2 scores.

Races 3 and 4 are scheduled to be sailed from 13:00 on Tuesday.