LANGKAWI: It’s four-in-a-row for Quantum Racing team skipper Ray Roberts after an expected stiff battle for the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy fizzled out on the final day of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta yesterday.

His closest rival, Hong Kong’s Frank Pong, the skipper of the regatta’s biggest yacht Jelik, was expected to provide Roberts some anxious moments even though the Australian had a comfortable four-point lead going into the final two races.

But after Pong, who needed to win both races yesterday to pip Roberts to the title, only managed fourth place in Race 9, a third-place for Roberts was enough to claim the trophy.

“I happy and proud to have successfully defended the title and lift this prestigious trophy for the fourth consecutive time,” said a jubilant Roberts.

“But all these could not have been possible without the consistency and discipline of my crew, who undoubtedly played major roles in our success. I salute them.

“It was not as easy as it appeared to be even though we went out with a four-point advantage. The strong winds, which blew between 20 and 30 knots, made things quite difficult for us.”

It was not all plain sailing indeed for Quantum Racing even though they had sealed victory after the first of the two races yesterday.

They almost collided into a navy boat in Race 10. But with the skilful Roberts at the helm, they managed to avoid the boat, which was just two metres away, and went on to put the icing on the cake with victory in the last race.

The best Malaysian performer was Mohd Masyuri Rahmat, who skippered Navy 1 in the sports boat class. He was placed third behind Christopher Lim of Singapore and Gaetan Verhegee of Belgium.