Rowing: Drysdale wins easily despite penalty

New Zealand rower Mahe Drysdale overcame a mid-race penalty to win the champion men's singles race at the Head of the Charles regatta in Massachusetts yesterday.

Drysdale completed the 4.8km course in 17m 54.659s. His latest success comes almost seven weeks after he won the single sculls title at the world championships in Japan.

Drysdale missed a buoy midway through the course and received a 10s penalty, but he made up time in the race's final mile to beat American Steve Tucker by less than 1s.

Drysdale had a commanding lead after the first 1.5km before missing the buoy. He took the lead for good by passing Itzok Cop at the Elliot Bridge with less than 1.5km remaining.