HAMPSHIRE match racer Ian Williams will face his toughest test yet when he resumes his bid for a fifth world title.

The Lymington sailor will have face Australian Olympic champ and America’s Cup sailor Tom Slingsby when the Alpari World Match Racing Tour restarts today.

Williams and his GAC Pindar crew have notched up two wins from three events so far this season and sit on 72 points in the overall standings.

And with their closest challenger, Frenchman Mathieu Richard, trailing on 55 points, the team are hoping to extend their lead with further victory at the Chicago Match Cup.

With the Dutch Match Cup starting just three days later on 24th September, a strong showing from Williams in both could leave him in prime position for the crucial Monsoon Cup finale at the end of November.

But first he must overcome the challenge from Slingsby, a wildcard entry at the event.

The Australian might be the least experienced match racer in the field but he has five fleet race World Championship titles in the Laser and Etchells classes and an Olympic Gold Medal to his name.

Williams, pictured, said: “It is a really important few weeks of racing where a lot will be decided.

“Positive results in Chicago and Holland would put us in a commanding position, which will be crucial given that the final regatta in Malaysia counts for one and a half points.”

He also paid tribute to long-serving crew members Bill Hardesty and Matt Cassidy, who are being replaced by Chris Main and Graeme Spence.

“The crew have been fantastic and deserve huge credit,” Williams added.

“We thank Bill and Matt for everything they have done for us and wish Matt well in the America’s Cup.

“We’re delighted to have Chris Main confirmed for the rest of the tour and Graeme Spence is an experienced addition to the crew. The crew transition has gone smoothly and we are working well ahead of the next few weeks, which will have a huge bearing on the final standings.”

The Chicago Match Cup runs until this Sunday.