The women's R:SX fleet pictured competing today ©World Sailing

London Olympic bronze medallist Zofia Noceti-Klepacka holds a narrow lead in a pulsating women's R:SX battle at World Sailing's World Cup in Hyères.

The Polish star finished 10th in today's seventh race but still holds a four point lead over China's Rio 2016 second place finisher, Chen Peina.

Chen recovered to place second in race seven after the disappointment of 19th in race six.

Noga Geller of Israel lies a further seven points behind in third overall.

France's reigning Olympic champion Charline Picon lies down in ninth on home waters, 32 points off the pace, with six races left.

Jorge Zarif of Brazil rose to first place in the laser class after a second place in race five.

Dutchman Nicholas Heiner sits second, despite a lowly 13th today, with Ondrej Teply of Czech Republic third.

Zarif has accrued 14 points to lead Heiner by eight, with Teply a further one point back.

France's Jonathan Lobert has fallen from first to fourth, on 24 points, after labouring to 17th in race five.

Reigning Olympic champion Marit Bouwmeester extended her lead in the women's laser radial class after winning race five.

Marit Bouwmeester pictured celebrating gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics ©Getty Images
Marit Bouwmeester pictured celebrating gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics ©Getty Images

The Dutch star now sits on nine points once the one discard is included.

This puts her 12 clear of American rival Paige Railey, who was 12th in the same race.

Viktorija Andrulyte of Lithuania remains third a further five points back.

This leg of the Sailing World Cup series, which sees 690 sailors representing 46 nations compete on the French coast, is due to conclude on Sunday (April 29).

The overall World Cup final will also take place in France with Marseille set to host it in June.