Sunday, 20 December, SHARJAH (UAE): Second place in race 1 moves Jennifer Menard to the top of the championship standings and within sight of successfully defending her Ski world title, with the pre-race points leader Emma-Nellie Ortendahl breaking down, then disqualified.

The race win went to Beatriz Curtinhal passing Menard on lap six and going on to take the chequered flag to take her first win of the season, with Sandra Fernandez taking third.

Pole-sitter Kyllie Ellmers made a blistering start and was off and away before a bust fuse ended her hopes of a maiden win on the UIM-ABP tour, and was also later disqualified.

Menard will line up in pole for race 2 with a 17 point advantage over her title rival Ortendahl, who will have her work cut out starting from the back of the pack.