Shell-shocking
Seven more U.S. crews advance, 21 total in world finals and semis
Posted: Wednesday September 09, 1998 07:02 PM
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Koven, single sculler world champion, will have a tough competition AP |
COLOGNE, Germany (AP) -- The United States qualified a further
seven crews at the world rowing championships on Wednesday, for a
total of 21 boats in the final and semifinal rounds, just one fewer
than host Germany.
Leading the way in Thursday's semifinals, American James Koven
will attempt to defend his crown in the men's single scull.
Koven, who became world champion in his first season as a single
sculler last year, will face Olympic champion Xeno Mueller of
Switzerland, still strong despite taking a year off. Runner-up at
last year's worlds, Andre Willms of Germany, and 1997 bronze
medallist Greg Searle of Britain will also offer Koven tough
competition.
Olympic bronze medallist Trine Hansen of Denmark will try to
improve on last year's silver medal in the women's single scull,
profiting from the absence of reigning world and Olympic champion
Ekaterina Khodotovitch, who took a season off to have a baby.
Russia's Irina Fedotova, who swept the three World Cup events
this season, and last year's bronze medalist Maria Brandin of
Sweden will be Hansen's toughest competitors.
With defending champion Sarah Garner of the United States moving
to the lightweight double, Sherri Kiklas will attempt to keep the
women's lightweight single scull crown in U.S. hands, and fend off
top contender Benedicte Luzuy of France, the 1996 champion and
runner-up last year.
Two-time defnding world champion Karsten Nielsen of Denmark is
looking for a third title in the men's lightweight single scull.
After eking into the semifinal through repechage, Britain's Peter
Haining is hoping to add a record fourth title to his collection.
In the men's coxless four, the British crew of James Cracknell,
Tim Foster, Matthew Pinsent and Steve Redgrave, the only rower to
win gold medals in four consecutive Olympics, continue their bid
for a second straight title.
The foursome, who dominated at the World Cup in Lucerne, are
expected to cruise into the final, despite taking on their two
toughest rivals, Australia and Romania, in their semifinal heat.
Last year's silver and bronze medallists, Romania and Australia
finally secured their places in the finals of the men's eights,
after qualifying in repechage Wednesday.
The Romanian crew, the 1998 World Cup champions, won their
repechage heat, covering the 2,000-meter (1.25-mile) course along
the Fuehlinger See lake in 5 minutes, 51.79 seconds, just .03
seconds ahead of Italy, which also qualified for Sunday's final.
Finishing one and two in their leg, Australia and Russia advanced
as well.
Australia's women also qualified for the eights finals, winning
their repechage race in 6:30.26, ahead of Germany, which also made
the cut. Clocking the fastest time of the day in the women's event,
Canada earned a berth in the final, crossing in 6:28.21, ahead of
Belarus.
Blustery weather forced organizers to delay the start of four
races Wednesday, a localized back-wind giving boats in th fifth
lane an unfair advantage. Foul weather is expected to continue
through the weekend.
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