Three New Zealand crews have gained Oympic qualifying spots on the first day of semi-finals at the World Rowing Championships in France.
2014 WORLD ROWING Championships. New Zealand's Hamish Bond and Eric Murray. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The women's pair, men's pair and women's lightweight double all qualified for 'A' finals which gains them an Olympic qualifying spot.
The men's quad finished fourth in their semi-final but their hope of Olympic qualification remains alive with two spots available in the 'B' final.
The women's coxless pair of Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast were the first New Zealand crew to qualify for both the 'A' final and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by finishing second in their heat behind Great Britain.
The men's coxless pair of Hamish Bond and Eric Murray were dominant in their semi, as expected, heading off Serbia and Italy with clear water. They also progress to the 'A' final and secure Olympic qualification in the process.
The women's lightweight double of Julia Edward and Sophie Mackenzie pushed into the lead in the first quarter and successfully held their position to win their semi.
Edward said they were prepared for a battle "We knew it was going to be a really tough race, everyone wants to be in the final especially with Olympic qualification on the line so we were really prepared for it to be a close race. It's a very competitive class, being an Olympic event, so we've ticked the first box with qualification and now we want to take it out."
The men's quad went agonisingly close to gaining a spot in the 'A' final but will head to the 'B' final with their fourth-place finish. In one of the tightest races of the day, the men's quad were in a fierce battle in the final 250 metres with Estonia, Great Britain and Canada with placings coming down to the surge of the bows as they crossed the line.
Men's double Robbie Manson and Chris Harris looked strong as they went on to win their quarter-final ahead of Germany and Bulgaria and book their spot in the semis.