MARSEILLE, France, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Great Britain's Emma Wilson secured a medal in women's windsurfing (iQFoil) by topping the rankings at the end of the Opening Series on Thursday, while Australia's Grae Morris's proved consistency paid off as he is guaranteed a medal as well in men's iQFoil class.
Wilson had another productive day on the water, starting off with a win which ultimately put her 31 points clear of the competition. Leading the standings, Wilson automatically qualified for the final that will determine what color the medal will be.
Trailing behind the Briton was Israel's Sharon Kantor, who managed to place second in race 13. Kantor will progress directly to the semifinal race, alongside Italy's Marta Maggetti, who finished 21 points off Kantor.
The remaining athletes that finished between fourth and 10th will head into the quarterfinal, with the top two reaching the semis. Two will progress from the semifinal, joining the top overall athlete in the final.
"It's really cool to be guaranteed a medal for tomorrow. It's the best we can get in this format so I'm really happy. I just took it race by race and believed in my training that I've done all year, for the last three years," Wilson said.
Morris struggled at the start of the Opening Series of men's windsurfing, but managed to rally to climb up the board and eventually finish on top. That means he automatically qualifies for the final race on Friday where he is assured of a bronze medal at least.
Israel's Tom Reuveny finished three points behind Morris overall. He will go straight into the semifinal alongside New Zealand's Josh Armit, who in turn finished three points behind Reuveny.
Stefano Peschiera of Peru used his experience and expertise to take an early advantage in men's dinghy (ILCA 7) off the coast of Marseille. Reigning Olympic champion Matt Wearn of Australia began his medal defense strongly with second place in race two, putting him narrowly behind Peschiera.
France's Louise Cervera enjoyed a stellar first day of racing with a valuable win in women's dinghy (ILCA 6). It was originally planned that a second race of ILCA 6 class would take place, but that was subsequently postponed due to a lack of wind. China's Gu Min also rose to the occasion early, finishing a close second behind Cervera to lay an early marker of intent for the rest of the regatta.
