UAE's Al Hamlys just a victory away from Class III title

Local driver Rashid Jabir Al Hamly and his co-pilot and brother Ahmed can clinch the UAE Offshore Powerboating Championship Class III title by winning today's third round.

The Al Hamly brothers, steering the ADIMSC boat, lead the standings with 800 points from two rounds and a victory will secure the title for them even before the final round which will be held next week in Dubai.

Competition for the 49 nautical mile race worthy Dh500,000 in prize money is expected to be tough.

The winner will receive Dh90,000, runners-up Dh80,000 and third place Dh70,000. All the top 15 drivers, who finish the race, will get cash prizes with the 15th placed collecting Dh5,000.

The event is organised by the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) under the patronage of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and the President of the club.

Both the ADIMSC and Al Yamahi boats suffered mechanical troubles during yesterday's free practice. The ADIMSC boat suffered a problem in the injector while the Al Yamahi boat needed a new engine. But both boats are expected to take part today.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan directed the officials of the ADIMSC to observe maximum degree of safety in organising the race and said "We are determined to ensure that all the drivers will finish the race safely."

Standings
1. ADIMSC - Rashid - Jabr Al Hamly (UAE)/ Ahmed Al Hamly (UAE) 800 pts
2. Al Yamahi Team - Ahmed Al Sauwaidi (UAE)/ Sulaiman Salah (Holland) 427 pts
3. La Vida Luka - Christian Ravolta (Ita)/ Giovanni Carpitella (Ita) 300 pts
4. Finn Racing 1 - Petri Pantanen (Finn)/ Carl Nykop (Finn) 296 pts
5. Al Masoud - Rashid al Marri (UAE)/ Sailm Fadhil Al Hamly (UAE) 225.