KEY POINTS:
There are no guarantees the winner of today's last race between Rob Waddell and Mahe Drysdale will be the man Rowing New Zealand opts to send to Beijing in the single sculls berth.
With Waddell fighting back to level the best-of-three trials at one each yesterday, the water
has been muddied somewhat for the national selectors, who would have privately been hoping for a more definitive 2-0 result.
Waddell's win by just half a length has illustrated there is nothing between the two scullers, and the national selectors may use their discretion in making the decision over who to nominate.
After coming off a comfortable win in the opening race of the trials, Drysdale said yesterday he was disappointed not to wrap up the showdown in two races. He admitted a win today may not seal his Olympic fate.
"Obviously it's a trial so it's still ultimately in the selectors' hands and it doesn't necessarily mean the winner goes to Beijing. If it's so tight then they've got to make a decision who's going to be the best man in Beijing," Drysdale said.
He suggested that was why Rowing New Zealand had hoped to conduct their trials behind closed doors.
The national body has tried to discourage spectators and media from the trials, but with the interest in the battle between the country's top two oarsmen, they have been unable to go about their business quietly.
As the Waikato fog cleared and the sun emerged yesterday morning, so too did the crowd. Hundreds of people were dotted along the lake's edge to see the pair duke it out. Another big crowd is expected today.
Rowing legend and former selector Don Rowlands believes the Beijing berth should be solely determined on today's result.
"If the selectors have set a policy of best of three, then best of three it is. Tomorrow will decide, simple as that. I don't know how else they can do it," said the former single sculls champ and Empire Games gold medallist.
Rowlands said he was not surprised to see the battle between the pair go to a third race.
Little separated them in the opening stages yesterday, with Waddell edging ahead by half a length at the mid-way point after Drysdale dropped his rating slightly. With his Olympic dreams on the line, Waddell dug deep and was able to maintain his slight lead from there.
In stark contrast to Drysdale's jubilant celebrations over the finish line on Sunday, Waddell was much more subdued, showing little emotion as the buzzer sounded.
It is not the first time Waddell has attempted to claim an Olympic berth after another rower qualified the boat. Richard Newey qualified the nation a place in the single sculls at the 1996 Games in Atlanta after finishing 15th at the 1995 World Champs. But Waddell was given the nod to represent New Zealand that year, eventually finishing seventh in the final. This time the stakes are higher. Many observers believe a gold medal beckons for which ever athlete is selected. And Drysdale certainly won't be letting the spot in Beijing up without a fight.
"It's been a dream of mine for four years, it's what I've been working towards for four years is to go to the Olympics in the single so obviously it's pretty important."
Drysdale said he will do his best to ensure the selectors cannot look past him and is confident he can bounce back from yesterday's loss.
"I feel like I'm in a pretty good space, obviously it wasn't good to lose today but I can easily pick myself up. I'm confident I can learn from my errors today."
Rowlands is expecting another tight contest between "two very equal competitors".
He said today's race will come down to which ever rower is mentally stronger.
"I couldn't pick it, it'll be another battle - there'll only be half a length in it. It'll be the muscle above the ears that'll decide it."
Rowing New Zealand will confirm their Olympic nominations on Friday.
