Youth Olympic Games  Day 9 Update

The winds finally blew favourable fortunes for the New Zealand sailors on the penultimate day of fleet racing on day nine of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.After a frustrating campaign, with only six races completed in the first four days of racing, New Zealands Jack Collinson won race seven in fresh 12knot winds off the Singapore National Sailing Centre. Fellow Auckland team-mate Elise also enjoyed her best finish in sixth place with both New Zealand sailors enjoying the fresher conditions. This moved both up the fleet to 11th placings after seven of the 15 races scheduled before the final medal race. Organisers hope to take full advantage of the unexpected conditions to sail three races today and at least three tomorrow in a shortened programme before Wednesdays medal race. Both Kiwis are hoping there will be at least 12 races completed which will allow them to drop a second worst performance to climb them both into contention. Earlier the mens basketball team finished 14th from 20 teams in the three-on-three competition, losing their final match to Egypt 29-26. The kiwis were in charge for much of the match, ahead 16-14 at halftime and never behind until they allowed too much space with two late three pointers from Egypt which earned them the win. It was a disappointing way to finish. We just didnt defend well enough today, said big man Michael Karena. We have had our ups and downs as a team, sometimes playing really well but sometimes terrible. I think the one thing that let us down was our finishing. Just didnt convert some of easy hoops that meant we dropped some games we should have won. With three-on-three you have to be way more fitter. Youve got 10 minutes and you have to give it your all. You have to be able to work every position, make your shots and make instant decisions if a play breaks down because of the 10 second shot rule. I think it can really improve your overall game. Its been a lot of fun and the overall experience has been amazing. James Ashby and Ben Fraser led scorers with eight points each. In track action Julia Ratcliffe (Hamilton) finished second in the B final of the hammer throw with a best effort of 50.49m while Jenna Hansen (Hamilton)( was seventh in the B final of the 2000m steeplechase in 8:03.65.