Ian Williams (GBR) and his Pindar by Manuport Logistics team of Gerard Mitchell, Richard Sydenham and Jon Gundersen made history today by winning a record-breaking ninth Match Racing World Championship title at the 2025 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Final in Shenzhen. Williams defeated Swedenâs Oscar EngstrĂśm 2-0 in a tense, first-to-two-points final, successfully defending his title for the third consecutive year.
After a delayed start to the final day, anticipation was high with three teams still in the running. The semifinal saw a thrilling deciding battle between USAâs Chris Poole and EngstrĂśm, which was tied 2-2 the previous evening. In a dramatic finish, EngstrĂśm triumphed after a tense downwind leg, securing his place in the final against Williams.
The final kicked off with a flawless performance from Williams, who quickly established a four-boat-length lead after a well-executed pre-start and upwind leg. EngstrĂśm, racing in his first-ever WMRT final, and against the multiple world champion, was unable to close the gap, and Williams sealed the first point with a controlled, mistake-free finish.
In the second race, EngstrĂśm faced immense pressure after a costly penalty early on. Williams capitalized on the advantage, expertly handling the shifts and outmanoeuvring the Swedes to maintain the lead. As EngstrĂśm struggled to recover, Williams crossed the line to claim victory, completing his third straight World Championship win.
The Swedish team, led by EngstrĂśm, delivered an outstanding performance throughout the event, finishing atop the Round Robin stage and progressing to the finals, but ultimately fell short in their bid for the world title.
Following the race, a jubilant Williams celebrated with his long-term crew Gerry Mitchell, Jon Gunderson and Richard Sydenham as they were presented with the Match Racing World Championship trophy and a $50,000 share of the $200,000 event purse.
âWe love this tour and we love competingâ said Williams. âI love sailing with these guys, and of course itâs that much sweeter when we get to hoist the trophy. Itâs an incredible feeling to win again â I actually think we sailed better this week than the previous two years. We had a bit of a rusty first day, but since than weâve been super solid. Weâve taken the knocks on the chin, but weâve done all we can to win and weâre super happy with that.â
USAâs Chris Poole and his Riptide Racing team secured third place after defeating New Zealandâs Nick Egnot-Johnson in the single petite final. Poole was also awarded overall 2025 Tour Points Champion for the second consecutive year.
The 2025 WMRT championship cements Williamâs unmatched legacy as one of the sportâs greatest sailors with a record ninth match racing world championship title.
