Kiwi sailor claims bronze at world laser champs

New Zealand sailor Andrew Murdoch produced his best performance when it mattered to snatch a bronze medal at the Laser world championship off Hayling Island, England.

Murdoch held his nerve to win the final race of the series after placing eighth in the penultimate race overnight, jumping from fifth to third to claim his third world championship medal.

The 27-year-old won bronze in 2005 and silver in 2007.

"It's good to have it over with, it's been a pretty long regatta," said Murdoch, who placed fifth in the Laser class at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"I took last year off from racing so it's kind of good to come back to racing and come away with a bronze medal.

"My feel is still coming back to me a little bit."

Australia's Tom Slingsby won the title after opening up a big lead on his rivals throughout the six-day, 14-race regatta. Come dawn on the final day the Australian only had to stay out of trouble, and managed that task with ease to win from second-placed Nick Thompson, of Britain.

Josh Junior was the next best of the New Zealanders, finishing sixth, his best world championship finish.

Mike Bullot and Andy Maloney slipped out of the top ten on the final day, finishing in 14th and 16th respectively.

All seven New Zealanders finished inside the top third of the 159-strong fleet.

Murdoch already had his sights on the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

"The next major event I guess is the worlds down in Perth in over a year's time and the main goal is [London] in two years, so it's a great start to this campaign."

- NZPA