Young gun turn up the power

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), July 26, 2008

WEARSIDER Jordan Muckles turned up the power when he raced for the United Kingdon on a world stage last week.

Jordan, aged 11, from Fulwell, Sunderland, raced a Class 3 rib-style boat in the UIM Formula Future World Championships in Italy.

Young Jordan put in a solid performance throughout the competition showing great skill and expertise.

Joining Jordan was Gordon Bamford (15) from Fairlie in Scotland, who won the 13-16 age group Muckles and Bamford both claimed victory in the 2007 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championships.

This was the first time the UK had entered a team and despite world-class competition the UK team acquitted itself very well.

Gordon achieved the fastest time of the day in the manoeuvring competition but incurred penalty points for hitting a turn marker thereby denying him of a podium position.

Back home, both boys are focusing on this year's Honda RYA Youth RIB championship.

Gordon has already qualified for the national final beating off competition in the Scottish regional final, while Jordan is waiting for the North East regional final which takes place at Hartlepool on August 9.

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ITALIAN JOB: Jordan Muckles (right) and Gordon Bamford hold up their national banner at the World Championships in Italy