KEY POINTS:
Australian sailors Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby were crowned Tornado world champions after racing was abandoned on the final day of the regatta due to heavy rain and strong north easterly winds in Takapuna, Auckland.
It is Bundock's sixth world title in the Tornado having won in 2006, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 1998.
Despite a 14th and a 23rd on the first day of racing, the Aussies fought back and concluded the regatta five points clear of Canada's Oskar Johansson and Kevin Stittle.
The bronze medal went to French pair Yann Guichard and Alexandre Guyader.
New Zealand, with a 12th overall placing through Aaron McIntosh and Mark Kenneday earned one of the four remaining spots for the Beijing Olympics.
The others were Canada, Austria, and the Ukraine who beat off challenges from Russia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Poland and Venezuela.
Next best kiwis were Bruce Kendall and Blair Tuke who finished 26th.
Although gaining New Zealand a Tornado start in Beijing, inclusion in the national team is not automatic and McIntsoh and Kennedy may yet have more work to do to persuade national selectors that they have medal potential and should join the team.
Leading word Tornado championship final results:
Darren Bundock/Glen Ashby (Australia) 34 points 1, Oskar Johansson/Kevin Stittle (Canada) 39 points 2, Yann Guichard/Alexandre Guyader (France) 39 3.
Aaron McIntosh/Mark Kennedy (NEW ZEALAND) 75 points 12.
- NZPA
