Rowing: World champs shine at Karapiro

New Zealand's world champion rowers flexed their muscle on Lake Karapiro at the weekend, all winning their events at the KRI 2 regatta.

More than 1600 rowers lined up to test themselves against the best from the upper North Island and New Zealand squad members.

Georgina Evers-Swindell led a talented field in the women's single sculls, including current world bronze medallist Michelle Guerette of the United States and junior world champion Emma Twigg, of Hawkes Bay, who were second and third respectively.

Evers-Swindell's twin Caroline was competing at the Canterbury championships in Twizel where she won the single sculls.

Mahe Drysdale, world champion single sculler, showed his stamina and strong finish by leading the men's single. Hawkes Bay under-23 representative Simon Lack just pipped New Zealand squad member Eric Murray for second.

The women's pair went to world champions Nicky Coles and Juliette Haigh in a clear margin over second-placed Bess Halley and Darnelle Timbs, just ahead of Sarah Alexander and Cassie Stanford of Hawkes Bay.

World champions George Bridgewater and Nathan Twaddle rounded off a clean sweep of the champion crews by winning the men's pair.

Behind them were New Zealand squad members Matthew Trott and Steven Cottle, second in a photo finish against Selwyn Cleland and David Schumacher.

The national squad will now head back to their clubs in preparation for the national club championships, also on Lake Karapiro, from February 21-25.

- NZPA