Rowing: Irish pair qualify for double sculls final

Storms and lightning delayed the start of the World Cup Regatta in Poland, and rain and winds buffeted the competitors, but Claire Lambe and Sinead Lynch retained their composure admirably to win their heat and qualify directly for the A Final of the lightweight double sculls. The win was another step up for the in-form crew.

World champions New Zealand could not hold it together and limped home last after Sophie McKenzie suffered a missed stroke and lost control of her oar.

Paul and Gary O’Donovan also had to win their heat in Poznan to qualify directly for the final of the men’s lightweight double. They tested Norway, but their final sprint was not enough. They will compete in a repechage.

Denise Walsh may have been the bravest competitor of the day: she capsized in her repechage and, after she was rescued, climbed back into her boat and rowed home.