One point.
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That’s all that separated first and second in the King and Queen of Sport standings following Saturday’s opening day of the 2017 Orange Eight Day Games.
Cathy Johnson kicked off her bid for a third straight title and 10th overall – in typically strong fashion to notch 112 points but once again she faced, and will continue to face stiff competition from Annabel Guthrie (111) and Nikki Williamson (107), sitting second and third respectively.
Guthrie – who was in shape to win her maiden title in 2015 before missing the final day of competition – held the lead early after claiming wins on the commando course and the pinnacle stair climb.
She edged out Johnson and Williamson in the former event, with Williamson coming second and Hannah Marsh third in the latter.
Johnson pegged back some points in the mountain bike leg, as did second finisher Williamson. Guthrie managed to finish third there, but all three missed the podium in Saturday’s final event, the canoeing.
Leanne Wiggins came out on top at Lake Canobolas, with Hannah Marsh picking up another placing and perennial contender Jess Marsh coming third.
While the usual suspects were, for the most part, controlling the top of the women’s leaderboard, a couple of new faces worked their way into the top three of the men’s.
Mitch Williamson, who’s finished second four times in the last decade, was leading on 122 points after day one, just edging out Leigh Miller (121) and Jackson Boucher (117).
Boucher was the only one of the top three to earn a podium finish on the commando course, he ran third behind Henry Savage and reigning champion Jackson Leckie.
Williamson picked up a second in the pinnacle stair climb, finishing behind Andrew McConnache and in front of Savage.
Boucher claimed a win in the mountain biking, with Williamson second and Miller third. Miller came second in the canoes, Anthony Wharton claimed his first win there and Andrew Marsh was third.
Athletics kicked off Sunday’s second day, before swimming, karting and two mystery events.
The Eight Day Games continue on Monday from 3pm, with an individual mystery event.