Bermuda's Peter Bromby is locked in a dogfight for medals in the Pre-Olympic regatta.

The Star class competitor has relinquished his lead in the 11-race event but is a mere two points adrift of the top spot, currently held by Brazilian Torben Grael.

After enjoying a rest day on Saturday, Bromby and crew Lee White had a tough time in yesterday's two races, finishing seventh and eighth. They total 30 points from eight races while Grael - who had the best of the day's sailing - is on 28 points.

Third is Germany's Marc Pickel on 35 points, while Paul Cayard of the USA is fourth on 37. Serge Kats of the Netherlands is tied with Cayard on points but is fifth on a countback.

Three races remain and, with just nine points separating the top five places, the medals can go any way. Judging by reports thus far, it will go down to the wire.

"Bromby and White had to fight hard for their eighth in race two (yesterday), having fouled Iain Percy (of UK) on the start line and having to execute penalty turns. The Bermudians were last by a long way," Bermuda's team leader Andrew Palfrey told The Royal Gazette, as an indication of how tough the Athens regatta has been.

If it's been a challenge for Bromby, it's been a greater one for Yngling sailor Paula Lewin who is still languishing in the latter half of her fleet as far as results go.

After seven races, she and her crew of Peta Lewin and Carola Cooper are tenth out of 13 with 42 points.

In Saturday's two races, Lewin placed fifth and ninth. At that point, she moved up to ninth place - only nine points out of bronze medal - from 11th last Thursday. Friday was a rest day. However, she slipped back down the standings after finishing 13th in the seventh race yesterday.