Rowers right where they want to be
The New Zealand rowing juggernaut rolled on with all four crews in action advancing impressively.
In the women’s single sculls, defending champion Emma Twigg moved into the semifinals after winning her heat in 7m 26.89s, easily the fastest time of the day in her event.
Fellow Hawke’s Bay rower Tom Mackintosh matched Twigg, winning his heat comfortably to move into the men’s single sculls semis.
The seasoned women’s double sculls pair of Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors — both Olympic medallists in Tokyo — were again in sharp form and their comfortable victory over the Netherlands moved them into the final.
Rounding out a memorable day, Robbie Manson and Jordan Parry finished third in their men’s double sculls semifinal to also book a spot in the final.
With the top three from each semi going through, Ireland, the USA and New Zealand were a class ahead in their race, and New Zealand had a 3s cushion over fourth-placed Germany.
Twigg called her race “another step forward” and said she was keen to ensure she was ahead in the first 1000 metres to fend off any late challengers.
She said she expects tonight’s semifinals to be brutal.
Twigg spoke of the encouragement she received from rowing great Mahe Drysdale.
“We’re in contact after each race. It follows on from something that happened in Tokyo,” she said.
“He always has a few valuable tips for me and is a calming influence. I can always trust Mahe to tell it how it is.”
Mackintosh was upbeat after his quarter-final result.
“I was very happy with the first half of the race and will be looking to step it up a bit over the last quarter,” he said.
“It was a good performance for me.”