New Zealand's rowers have made a strong start to the opening-day heats at the world championships in Bulgaria, with four boats winning on Monday (NZ time).
The women's pair of Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler started their title defence with an impressive win, winning their first race by 15s.
Zoe McBride and Jackie Kiddle in the women's lightweight double beat Australia in their heat with a time of 6m 50.040s.
Men's singles sculler Robbie Manson was fast out of the blocks in the single sculls, winning his heat by 2s. Manson crossed the line in 6m 53.680s, ahead of Quentin Antognelli of Mongolia.
Chris Harris and John Storey joined forces in the men's double sculls, and didn't disappoint - the pair finished in a time of 6m 02.23s, 10 seconds ahead of second-placed Ireland.
The men's pair of Tom Murray and Michael Brake finished third, while the lightweight men's double sculls team of Ben van Dalen and Matthew Dunham finished fourth to reach quarter-finals.
The men's quad, featuring decorated single sculler Mahe Drysdale, both failed to fire in their heats. They finished fifth and will now compete in the repechage round.
Newshub.
