#Rowing: Paul and Gary O’Donovan qualified for the A Final of their fourth major regatta this season when they finished third in their semi-final at the World Cup in Lucerne. They reached the top stage in World Cup regattas in Belgrade and Poznan and at the European Championships.
Italy took the risky strategy of setting off very fast in the hope of leading all the way. It worked, and they won. The Czech Republic, Ireland and Russia were their main rivals until the final quarter, when, as the Russians faded in the hot conditions, the Czechs and Ireland nailed down the second and third spots. Britain’s Jamie Copus and Sam Mottram pushed to pass Ireland but could not.
World Cup Regatta, Lucerne – Day Two (Irish interest)
Men
Lightweight Double Sculls – Semi-Finals (First Three to A Final; rest to B Final) – Semi Final One: 1 France 6:20.57, 2 Belgium 6:24.68, 3 Greece 6:26.92.
Semi Final Two: 1 Italy 6:20.82, 2 Czech Republic 6:22.05, 3 Ireland (G O’Donovan, P O’Donovan) 6:23.75; 4 Britain 6:25.25, 5 Japan Two 6:27.84, 6 Russia 6:34.33.
Women
Single Sculls Semi-Finals (First Three to A Final; rest to B Final) – Semi Final One: 1 Austria (M Lobnig) 7:35.06, 2 Germany (A Thiele) 7:35.96, 3 Britain (V Thornley) 7:36.09; 4 Ireland One (S Puspure) 7:36.90; 6 Ireland Two (M Dukarska) 7:55.0.
