March 03, 2008	Monday	Safar 24, 1429

KARACHI, March 2: Navy’s M. Ashfaq and M. Yousuf of Pakistan Air Force start as joint favourites when the three-day National Laser Standard sailing championship gets underway in the open sea under the aegis of the PN Aquatic Club from Monday.

Ashfaq, who won a gold medal in last year’s National Games, shone claiming gold in the Sail The Gulf held at Qatar in February.

Yousuf is the reigning national champion and will defend his title.

According to format, a total of six races are to be sailed with one discard allowed.