Rowing: NZ crew downs Olympic champions

Nathan Cohen (L) and Joseph Sullivan. Photo / Christine Cornege

New Zealand's world champion double sculls combination of Joseph Sullivan and Nathan Cohen emerged triumphant from a heavyweight trans-Tasman battle with Australian Olympic champions Scott Brennan and David Crawshaw at Lake Karapiro today.

The 2010 world champions dominated the Australian duo in the one-on-one race, establishing an early lead and then pulling away after the halfway mark to win by over four seconds and claim the honours in the inaugural race between the two crews.

The race was the highlight on the first day of three days racing for New Zealand crews as they prepare for the regattas in Europe and the world championships in Bled, Slovenia from August 28 to September 4.

- NZPA