Kiwi rower Robbie Manson has claimed first blood over Mahe Drysdale in the build-up to the Olympics, taking out the single sculls at the Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro.
After conceding the seat to Drysdale for Tokyo 2020, Manson has beaten the 41-year-old by eight seconds to claim the single sculls title, with Drysdale finishing third and Jordan Parry claiming second.
Manson will represent New Zealand in the men's double at the Olympics alongside Chris Harris, who finished fifth.
In the women's final, Emaa Twigg took out the single sculls, beating Hannah Osbourne by three seconds. Olivia Loe claiming third.
Twigg's eyeing Olympics redemption this year, after finishing fourth in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
