Rio Olympics 2016: Sailors on course for medal romp at Hyeres regatta as Lisa Darmanin flies flag for women

A FEROCIOUS fight for a Rio Games spot has bought out the best in two Olympic contenders who have sailed off with two of Australia’s haul of five medals in France.

Lilley after winning gold at the famous Hyeres regatta in France.

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A FEROCIOUS fight for a Rio Games spot has bought out the best in two Olympic contenders who have sailed off with two of Australia’s impressive haul of five medals at the Hyeres international regatta.

On Australian sailings most successful day in recent times sailors won a gold, two silver and two bronze in a strong showing ahead of Rio.

Australia’s gold came from an unexpected quarter as multiple world champions and Rio favourite Mat Belcher and Will Ryan suffered a rare defeat in the 470 class.

Jake Lilley involved in a fierce battle for Olympic selection.

Instead it was left to Queensland rookie and Olympic hopeful Jake Lilley to lead the way with his win over Oliver Tweedell in the single-handed Finn class.

“There was a lot of pressure riding on today,” said Lilley of scrutiny on the regatta by selectors.

“This was really important in terms of our selection for the Games.”

The pair will now shift their attention to the world championships in Italy later this month which is the final regatta before the Finn sailor to go to Rio is confirmed.

Belcher and Ryan, who have lost less than a handful of regattas since joining forces in the wake of the London Olympics, were beaten by the Croatian team of Sime Fantela and Igor Marenic in their racing for their silver.

Finn racing in France produced Australia’s only gold medal.

“Today was quite a difficult position for Will and I,” Belcher said.

“Unfortunately we lost a lot of points yesterday and we knew we couldn’t get to first.”

Also upset was Laser sailor Tom Burton who went from first place heading into the medal race to emerge with a bronze medal.

“Today was a little disappointing, I thought I was sailing quite well throughout the week. I was in it to win it, but that didn’t happen today,” Burton said.

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Australia's Tom Burton after winning the Hyeres regatta last year.

Australia’s final medal came in the 49er class courtesy of Will and Sam Phillips. The pair missed Olympic selection to London champions Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen.

Australian cousins, Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin finished fifth overall in the Nacra 17

Darmanin was the only woman in a position to press for a medal in Hyere but she and Waterhouse failed to find their best form in the final race to finish off the podium.