YOG 2010: Martin in confident mood despite losing top spot

From Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, in Singapore

 KIERAN Martin has been knocked off top spot at the Youth Olympic Games - but the British windsurfer insists he will sleep easy in Singapore.

 
STEADYING THE SHIP: Jade Rogers recovers after a difficult opening day at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore (Singapore Press Holdings)

The 15-year-old made a superb start to his campaign on the opening day of the competition in the Far East on Tuesday to hold the lead after a first and second place finish in his first two races.

On Wednesday he followed that up with a somewhat below-par finish of eighth, but bounced back to claim third spot in the second race of the day to lie second overall with 14 points.

He trails leader Mayan Rafic of Israel by five points but when competition resumes after tomorrow's rest day, Martin is adamant he will know exactly what to expect from his competitors.

"I know all the people I'm competing against from the world competitions and so I know what they are like and what to expect, so hopefully I can stay at the front," said Martin.

"I'm really pleased to be in second place and hopefully it should be looking good now for the rest of the week.

"There's a rest day which I'm really looking forward to. I'm just planning on sleeping through the whole day and then hopefully getting back into it and getting some more good results."

Meanwhile, compatriot Jade Rogers steadied the ship after a shaky first day in the Lion City and after finishes of eighth and tenth, she lies 11th overall on 41 points, a full 30 behind leader Naomi Cohen of Israel.

She said: "It was a lot better today than yesterday. There was a bit more wind and I'm starting to get used to the conditions a lot more.

"I think I was a bit more focused than I was on the first day and that helped me to get the better results.

"And hopefully I can keep improving now for the rest of competition."

  Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012