Eckstein makes run at podium

SHANNON Eckstein’s win over series leader Ali Day has lifted him into fourth place in the Nutri-Grain series.

The Northcliffe star is just three points behind TJ Hendy and Matt Bevilacqua, who share second spot.

Day, who almost caught Eckstein in the final ski leg yesterday despite the former heading into the break with a lead of almost 100m, is near unbackable favourite for a second Nutri-Grain series title, holding a 59-point lead over his nearest rivals.

“Everyone wants to win but to be able to get second to Shannon is still a really good result for me and it’s really consistent and I’m just proud, as I have been all year,” said Day, whose consistency will mean he benefits little from being able to drop his worst round of the series.

“It’s always been my aim to have my best result really close to my worst result.

“I’ve had a first, a second a third and a fifth now and it puts me in a really good position.”