Thomas and Warren drop to third

The Australian pair had a bad day to fall from the top of the leader-board at the 29er World championships

The 29er World Championship took a turn today as the 102-strong international fleet was divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze and Emerald groups for the Final series and a new overall leader emerged.

The eventual winner will be decided from the top 25 sailing in the Gold group. Annemiek Bekkering and Jeske Kisters from The Netherlands took the lead of the Championship today after four races.

The Dutch pair showed superb skill on the hugely shifty and fluky course to come into their own today with two seconds, a first and an 11th in races one to four. Their six point lead over nearest rivals, James Peters and Ed Fitzgerald (GBR) is well deserved.

The British boys' fourth, fifth, tenth and 12th reflect the conditions on the course, where breezes ranged anywhere from 3-12 knots, with many holes on the course, it was a case of paying attention and experience.

Steven Thomas and Jasper Warren (AUS) who have twice been at the top of the leaderboard now, dropped to third place today following a third, a fourth, a 12th and a 16th. They are one point behind the British duo.

Alexandra Maloney and Blair Tuke (NZL) have lifted today and are now fourth overall, counting a win in race four of the Final series.

Racing continues at the Sail Melbourne event tomorrow. Hosted by Sorrento Couta Sailing Boat Club, racing concludes on Wednesday afternoon when the Championship winner will be announced.

Results will follow.