hosted the Mazda World Match Racing Championship hot on the heels of the Omega Gold Cup.

World number one Chris Dickson emerged victorious over America's Peter Isler after an epic battle in Hamilton Harbour.

"It doesn't get any tougher or closer than that,'' said Dickson, who was part of the America's Cup Nippon Challenge.

Even the America's Cup itself struggled to better the drama and intrigue witnessed here in Bermuda.

And the world-class sailors certainly saved the best until last with Isler jumping to an early 2-0 lead before Dickson recovered strongly to take four straight races and claim the best-of-seven series 4-2.

"It was real teamwork stuff out there. We were battling against the elements as well as another boat,'' said Dickson, who has now won three out of the four events held. Peter Gilmour is the only other winner of a world championship, having taken the title in Auckland in 1990.

The tacking and gybing duel between Dickson and Isler provided plenty of excitement for the crowds who braved the elements to watch the goings-on in Hamilton Harbour.

The third place sail-off beteen Kiwi Russell Coutts and Frenchman Marc Bouet also produced some close, exciting encounters, with Coutts finally emerging the victor by a 3-2 score.

"It's important for the future of the sport that these races are sailed in places where spectators can view the action easily,'' said Coutts.

CHRIS DICKSON.