Annalise Murphy wins opening Olympic race and now lies fourth overall

After a run of less than winning form in the lead-in to the Olympic Games, Ireland’s Annalise Murphy won the opening race of the women’s single-handed event at Rio de Janeiro yesterday.

The London 2012 veteran, who narrowly missed a medal four years ago, defeated all three medallists from the last games to enjoy a 21 second lead at the finish of the 50- minute race.

Murphy’s fleet of 37 boats had two general recalls before the race got underway and the Rathfarnham sailor was eighth at the first mark. By the second lap of the course, she had worked up to first place. However, in race two of the day, she placed 14th overall that places her fourth overall. The qualification round comprises 10 races to decide the top 10 athletes who will sail a single medal race final next week.