|
Semifinal matches decided 3-0 with Baird, Walker vanquished
Hamilton, Bermuda (Oct. 13, 2007) — Björn Hansen of Sweden will meet Frenchman Mathieu Richard in tomorrow’s final of the $100,000 King Edward VII Gold Cup after each won their semifinal match 3-0 in racing here today.
Richard, the world’s No. 2-ranked match racer, manhandled Ed Baird of the U.S., winning with calm and ease. Hansen, ranked No. 6, took down local favorite Blythe Walker. Tomorrow’s final between Hansen and Richard means that for the third consecutive year the Gold Cup champion will be a first-time winner.
Richard’s dismantling of Baird was surprising for its seeming ease. Baird is a three-time match racing world champion and helmed Alinghi to victory in the 32nd America’s Cup in July. Throughout the week Baird, 48, had referenced the adage, “Age and treachery will overcome youthful enthusiasm every time.” Not today.
“It’s a great win, we’re very happy,” said Richard, 31. “We were very motivated this morning and had a good fighting spirit because we wanted to get to the final.”
Richard won yesterday’s quarterfinal match over Glenn Astwood also by 3-0, but felt that he had to increase his aggression today against Baird.
|
