LORIENT, France — British skipper Ian Walker and his Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crew all but clinched the 12th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race Thursday after taking third place in the eighth leg from Lisbon to Lorient, France. Only a freak result in the final leg to Gothenburg in which if they finish last of the seven-strong fleet and then are docked at least two penalty points for a serious infringement of sailing rules could now stop them from lifting the trophy in Sweden at the end of the month. Standings: 1) Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 19 pts, 2) Team Brunel 27, 3) Dongfeng Race Team 29, 4) MAPFRE 31, 5) Team Alvimedica 33, 6) Team SCA 44, 7) Team Vestas Wind 54. — AP
