Yun Pouliquen of France leads the men's field at the event in St Petersburg ©RS:X World Youth Championships

France's Yun Pouliquen leads the men's field after the first day of competition at the RS:X Windsurfing Youth World Championships in Saint Petersburg.

Pouliquen tops the standings after finishing third, second and first in the three races held today at the Yacht Club of St Petersburg.

The French teenager showed his talents earlier this year when claiming a bronze medal at the European Windsurfing Championships in Mallorca. 

The Israeli trio of Riuven Hillel, Eyal Yohay Zror and Daniel Basik Tashtash are all hot on his heels on seven, eight and nine points, respectively.

Basik Tashtash also leads the men's Under-17 competition.

Ioannis Karvouniaris of Greece is his nearest rival in the younger age category but is a long way behind on 54 points, with Neil Shtiglitz of Israel third on 69 points.

Israeli sailors are dominating the women's race after the first day of action ©RS:X World Youth Championships/Anna Semeniouk
Israeli sailors are dominating the women's race after the first day of action ©RS:X World Youth Championships/Anna Semeniouk

In the women's event, Israel occupy the top three positions.

Maja Nadler leads the way on 11 points having finished eighth, second and first in the day's three races.

Naama Greenberg is second on 12 points with pre-race favourite Linoy Geva third on 13 points.

Manon Pianazza of France is the main threat to the Israelis in fourth position and leads the under-17 women's event.

Yana Reznikova carries Russian medal hopes and is second behind Pianazza on 14 points, with Sharon Kantor of Israel in third place on 43 points.

The competition continues tomorrow.