Junior has enjoyed a successful week at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Australia, but faced one of his toughest days due to hot temperatures and changing winds.

He suffered his highest-scoring finish of the regatta by placing 16th in the opening race of the day, with the score currently discarded from his total.

An eighth-placed finish in the second race saw Junior finish the day on a total of 30 points.

Despite his difficult day, the Kiwi sailor saw his position strengthened at the top of the standings.

Britain's Giles Scott dropped back from his second-place position overnight, after he recorded finishes of fifth and 17th.

The later score proved costly, as it saw a previously discarded 16th-place finish added to the Briton's total.

The Netherlands’ Nicholas Heiner replaced Scott as the closest challenger to Junior.

He began the day with an eighth-place finish, before crossing third in the final race of the opening series.

The Dutchman has a total of 46 points, putting him 16 behind Junior heading into the medal race.

Only Heiner can overhaul Junior to take the title, meaning a new world champion will be crowned at the event.

Hungary's Zseombor Berecz currently lies in bronze-medal position with a score of 49 points, just two clear of fourth-place Scott.

New Zealand's Andy Maloney will still have hopes of making the podium, as he remains in touch on 61 points.