Surprise Exit for Puspure at Semi-Final Stage of Henley Royal Regatta

30th June 2012

# ROWING: Sanita Puspure was beaten in the semi-final of the Princess Royal at Henley Royal Regatta this evening. The woman who will represent Ireland in rowing at London 2012 fought out a close duel with Isolda Penney of Canada, who was behind until the middle of the race. The Canadian, in the preferable Berks station, pushed into the lead and held off Puspure to eventually win by two lengths.

Penney’s victory was a surprise, but the 37-year-old, who holds joint US/Canadian citizenship, is a serious competitor. She was third in the US trial held before the Olympic Qualifier in Lucerne this year. The trial was won by Genevra Stone, who went on to finish third at the Qualifier, one place ahead of Puspure.

Kaisa Pajusalu of Estonia, who lost out in that Olympic Qualifier (she finished sixth in the Final) won the other semi-final of the Princess Royal after a good race with Laura Schiavone of Italy.

Henley Royal Regatta, Day Four (Irish interest):

Queen Mother (Quadruple Sculls, Open): Victoria City Rowing Club, Canada bt UCC/London RC (N Kenny, A English, H Pelly, M O’Donovan) 1¾ l, 7:24

Princess Royal (Single Sculls, Women, Open): I Penney (Canada) bt S Puspure (Ireland) 2l, 9:57

K Pajusalu (Estonia) bt L Schiavone (Italy) easily 10:03

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About The Author

Liam Gorman

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Liam Gorman is a writer and reporter. He is the co-author of Little Lady, One Man, Big Ocean, published in the United States and Canada as Crossing the Swell. He is the rowing correspondent of the Irish Times.

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