Rowing: Another good day for Kiwi rowers at worlds

Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast. Photosport

New Zealand's strength in two-crew boats has been underlined with imposing wins on the second day of the rowing world championships in Florida.

The women's pair, women's double and men's double all won their heats comfortably in Sarasota, matching the achievements of three Kiwi heat winners on day one.

Less impressive on Monday were women's single sculler Hannah Osborne (third in her heat) and the women's four (sixth), who must contest repechages.

In hot, humid conditions, Kerrie Gowler and Grace Prendergast became the first Kiwi crew to advance directly to the A final, aided by the small size of their field.

They had too much power for British rivals Holly Hill and Melissa Wilson, pulling clear in the second quarter of the 2000m journey.

Winners at both World Cup regattas they entered this year, Gowler and Prendergast over the second half. Their time was pipped by fastest qualifiers the United States, who won the other heat.

Double scullers John Storey and Christopher Harris pulled in the fast-starting Estonian boat before holding off second-placed Bulgaria and Germany.

They book a semi-final berth, along with Brooke Donoghue and Olivia Loe, who led from the outset and kept good distance on nearest rivals Greece and Denmark.

The Kiwi men's and women's eights were to open their campaign on Tuesday.