Mumbai, Nov 3 Indias top seeded sailor, Commander R Mahesh proved his and his crews mettle winning eight straight matches in the ISS Mumbai International Match Race '09.

Closely following Mahesh is Nitin Mongias team, which yesterday had a dramatic win despite a gash in his boat after the opposition rammed into it.

42 hard fought matches were raced today off the Chowpatty waters. Racing for the top four slots would be held tomorrow.

So far, the top four appear to be three Arjuna Awardees, Commander Mahesh, Nitin Mongia and Farokh Tarapores teams, and the French team Skippered by Francois Morvan.

After a few bad starts and surprise defeats, the French are clearly getting used to the shifty and low winds off Mumbais waters.

- (Agencies)