SINGAPORE'S sailors dominated the IODA Asian Optimist Championships, which concluded yesterday in Bahrain.

The Republic's Lu Junrui, 14, clinched the title of overall Asian champion, despite finishing second overall. The event's overall winner, Rasim Yassar, is Turkish and therefore ineligible for the Asian title.

Junrui said: "It felt amazing (to win) as this was my first IODA event and the level of competition was high. Initially, I was very nervous, but overall it was a good learning experience for me."

Compatriot Phua Shyn Ee, 15, the top girl competitor, finished third overall.

Both sailors also took part in the team event, comprising 16 teams, each of five sailors. Singapore's two teams failed to defend their title - won by China - but finished second and fourth respectively.