The penultimate day of the Championships saw the battle for medals heat up ©Facebook/EurILCA

Slovenia’s Nik Peltikos strengthened his lead at the top of the men’s laser radial standings as the Laser European Championships reached the penultimate day in the French port city of La Rochelle.

Peltikos held a seven point advantage heading into the day and produced two fine races to move further clear.

He ended as the runner-up in the opening race of the day, before winning the second.

It saw the Slovenians score move on to 17 points, with the second discard of the competition coming in force.

His nearest rival Federico Tocchi of Italy slipped back to 29 points, having place fourth and 16th today.

The latter finish meant a ninth place from earlier in the regatta was added to his score, leaving the gold medal appearing a more distant prospect.

Poland’s Aleksandr Arian rounds off the top three, as he lies a further point behind.

Defending champion Marit Bouwmeester remains top of the women's standings, having recorded first and second place finishes today.

Marit Bouwmeester leads the women's laser radial event ©Getty Images
Marit Bouwmeester leads the women's laser radial event ©Getty Images

The Dutch sailor has 18 points for the regatta, with her nearest challenger Paige Railey of the United States second on 29.

Maxime Jonker dropped from second place to third, with the Dutch sailor moving onto 30 points after a tough day.

In the laser class, Australia's Matthew Wearn remains at the top of the standings on 23 points.

He is four clear of Pavlos Kontides of Cyprus, who looks poised to claim gold in the European event.

New Zealand's Sam Meech dropped to third on 30 points.

Non-Europeans to have been allowed into the field for the event.