Germany’s Michael Sommer leads the way in the open class standings after a rain-effected first day of competition at the FAI World Gliding Championships in Australian city Benalla ©FAI/Al Sim

Germany’s Michael Sommer leads the way in the open class standings after a rain-effected first day of competition at the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) World Gliding Championships in Australian city Benalla.

Sommer flew a distance of 282.2 kilometres at a speed of 129kph, earning an unrivalled points total of 675.

His compatriot Tassilo Bode finished the day second with 668 points, while Great Britain’s Andrew Davis came third with 643.

After a slow start, owing to heavy rain in the task area, all the open class gliders made it around the two-hour course.

Organisers had earlier cancelled the 15 metres and 18m classes due to safety concerns.

More than 100 pilots from 27 countries have descended on Benalla for the 2017 FAI World Gliding Championships ©FAI/Facebook
More than 100 pilots from 27 countries have descended on Benalla for the 2017 FAI World Gliding Championships ©FAI/Facebook

Action at the 34th FAI World Gliding Championships was also cancelled yesterday with rain forcing the planes to stay grounded.

More than 100 pilots from 27 countries have descended on Benalla for the 2017 edition.

The Championships are held every two years with competitors battling it out for honours across the three classes.

The weather is forecast to improve for the next two days, but a challenging day is expected for Friday (January 13).