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Dame Lisa Carrington has drawn first blood against rival Aimee Fisher in their best of three series to determine entry to the World Canoe Sprint Championships.
Carrington crossed the line a little more than 10 seconds before fellow her fellow New Zealand paddler in the K1 500m event at the National Championships at Lake Karapiro on Friday.
Carrington and Fisher were neck and neck until the five-time Olympic champion pulled a length clear on the final 100 metres.
The two will square off again in the second heat of the women's K1 500m just after 9am on Saturday.
Should Fisher be victorious, a third race will be held on Monday.
Carrington will be chasing her 13th world championship gold medal if she can hold off the competition this weekend.
-Aimee Fisher and Dame Lisa Carrington battle for World Championship qualification in 2022. Photo: PHOTOSPORT