Three Kiwi combinations win their heats on a mixed day of results at the Rowing World Championships

  • 26/09/2017
Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast in Florida
Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast in Florida Photo credit: Photosport

The Kiwi pair of Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast have set a cracking pace on day two of the Rowing World Championships in Florida.

The world record-holders were five seconds clear of the British crew in their heat and go straight through to this weekend's final.

Their American rivals were quicker in winning the second of the two heats in the women's pair.

There were also convincing heat wins for the men's and women's double sculling crews, on another day of temperatures in the mid-30s and high humidity at the purpose-built facility at Sarasota.

John Storey and Chris Harris combined to win their opening race in a time of 6'17:89", well clear of the Bulgarian and German crews.

They advance to the semi-finals along with the NZ women's sculling pair of Olivia Coe and Brook Donoghue, who were the second quickest boat during the four heats. 

The development four of Elizabeth Ross, Kirstyn Goodger, Elizabeth Jeurissen and Jackie Gowler were last in their heat, but high performance manager Alan Cotter expects them to improve later in the regatta.

Single sculler Hannah Osborne finished third in her opening race.

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