London 2012 Olympics: Ben Ainslie struggles to better Dane in sailing

Ben Ainslie’s charge for gold faltered again yesterday as Finn leader Jonas Hogh-Christensen palmed off the reigning champion for a sixth successive race.

The three-time gold medallist came into London 2012 as overriding favourite to top the podium, but has yet to overcome the Dane. Hogh-Christensen got his third bullet – a victory – of the regatta in race five, and then held off a late surge from Ainslie to finish second ahead of him in the day’s final Finn race.

With the home favourite finishing fourth in the first race, the Danish 2009 world champion is now ten points better off in the overall standings heading into today’s rest day.

The Star class also have today off, which British pair Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson will be able to enjoy after pulling four points clear at the top.

The defending gold medallists won race five at a canter, 50 seconds ahead of rivals Brazil. Robert Scheidt and Bruno Prada managed to win the final race of the day though, as Percy and Simpson finished in second ahead of Sweden.

British team-mate Ali Young also enjoyed a successful day, securing two second-place finishes in the Laser Radial class, both behind Ireland’s Annalise Murphy – winner of all four races so far.

Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes started yesterday well in the 49er class, having posted two 12th-place finishes on Monday.

The British pair finished the day’s first race third and were well placed in the second, only to capsize and come home 18th. Australia’s Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen continued to lead the 49er class.