Mafalda Pires de Lima is ninth in the European Sailing Championship

Olympic sailor Mafalda Pires de Lima kicked off the European Formula Kite Championship in 9th place, after four races held in the Turkish city of Urla.

The 14th placed in the Paris'2024 Olympic Games achieved 10th, 7th, 8th and 9th place in the day's regattas, closing the first day with 24 points, already 20 behind the leader, the British Lily Young, but in a 'medal race' position.

Among the male competitors is his brother, Tomás Pires de Lima, who started the competition in 23rd, after a penalty in the third race gave him 20th place, after two tenth places and one 11th.

The leader among men, in which Pires de Lima has 31 points, is the Italian Riccardo Pianosi, with three points, before four more regattas scheduled for Thursday.