Poland’s Sebastian Kawa topped the 15m class standings with 645 points ©FAI

Poland’s Sebastian Kawa and France’s Killian Walbrou were the strongest performers as action finally got underway in the 15 metres and 18m classes at the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) World Gliding Championships in Australian city Benalla.

After two days of bad weather that played havoc with the schedule, competitors had the chance to show their capabilities.

Kawa topped the 15m class standings with 645 points, flying 206.3 kilometres at 97.6kph.

Japan’s Makoto Ichikawa was second with 603, while France’s Louis Bouderlique was third with 539.

In the 18m class, Walbrou led the way with 982 after flying 281.9km at 95.4kph.

He was followed closely by Canada’s Dave Springford and Denmark’s Arne Boye-Moller, both of whom managed 978.

Italy's Ricardo Brigliadori was today's strongest performer in the open class ©FAI
Italy's Ricardo Brigliadori was today's strongest performer in the open class ©FAI

Action also continued today in the open class, which was the only event to beat the bad weather yesterday after a complete postponement on Monday (January 9).

Germany’s Michael Sommer remains top of the overall standings, despite finishing second to Italy’s Riccardo Brigliadori on the day.

Brigliadori flew 256.5km at 107.1kph for 758 points, 23 more than Sommer.

Sommer’s compatriot Tassilo Bode completed the top three with 733 points.

A total of 1,410 points leaves Sommer top of the overall standings, with Bode second on 1,401 and Great Britain’s Andrew Davis, who finished eighth today, third on 1,358.