Sailors compete during RS:X Men Medal Race of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Sailing event in Qingdao, Olympic co-host city in east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 20, 2008. Tom Ashley of New Zealand won the gold medal in the event. [Xinhua]

Tom Ashley of New Zealand won the gold medal of the men's RS:X at the Olympic Sailing Regatta in Qingdao on Wednesday.

Placing third into the medal race, Ashley finished second by the first mark and was left behind by Israel at the second mark with a 12-second margin. He maintained his position and sailed steadily to the finishing line, totalling 52 points overall to claim the title.

Julien Bontemps of France took the silver medal with 53 points and the bronze medal went to Shahar Zubari of Israel with 58 points.

Chan King Yin of Hong Kong, China won the medal race and lied sixth overall with 84 points.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2008)