Olympic canoe racing gold medallist Dame Lisa Carrington has edged out defending world champ Aimee Fisher in the third and final race of their duel to decide who'll represent New Zealand at the world champs.
The two canoeists were level at one race all after Fisher won the national K1 500m title on Saturday but Carrington won race two on Sunday with a spot at the world champs in Canada in August coming down to today's decider.
Lisa Carrington speaks to media. Photo: Marika Khabazi
In breezy and choppy conditions on Lake Karapiro, Carrington got off to a flying start in the K1 500 and led by around a boat length at the midway point of the race.
While Fisher closed the gap over the second half of the race Carrington held on to win by half a boat length and secure a 2-1 win in the best of three race series and a spot at the world champs in August.
Photo:
Fisher, was gracious in defeat, saying it was a privlege to be part of a contest that was so intense.
"I can't even describe how I felt before the race.... all the nerves, the sleepless nights (but) she's brought out the best in me. I think we bring out the best in each other and it was a pretty epic battle. That series would be some of the best racing of the decade."
-RNZ