GEORGE TOWN: Aus-tralia’s Quantum Racing opened their defence of the Royal Langkawi Inter-national Regatta Prime Minister’s Challenge Tro-phy on a sure footing, cruising into the lead yesterday.

With the day just right for sailing and winds blowing at 11 knots, the three-time champions wrapped up the opening two races with a first and a second place finishes.

The Ray Roberts skippered yacht came out tops in the first race in 2’37:28 and failing to chalk up a double in the afternoon did not really matter.

A second place in 2’31:25 behind another Australian yacht, Yo!2 skippered by Peter Ahern, who clocked 2’31.08, gave Quantum a combined score of three points and the top spot in the standings.

Yo!2, who came in fourth in the first race, are in second place together with New Zealand’s Hi Fi on five points. Hi Fi were second in the first race and finished third in the second.

Malaysia’s Zuhrah, ranked as outsiders for the title, had a disappointing day. Skipper by the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Mohd Razali Mansor, Zuhrah finished last in both the races.