Rowing - New Zealand Four wins and qualifies for semi final

New Zealand's men's coxless four was the only boat in action today at the Rowing World Championships in Poznan, and made the most of the limelight with a great repechage win securing them a place in the semi finals.

Tyson Williams, Hamish Burson, Simon Watson and Jade Uru are the 2009 Under 23 world champions and showed that they have been able to raise their game to the elite level with an accomplished row.

Coached by Dave Thompson, the crew led from the start ahead of Greece, France, Ukraine and India. The Greek crew forged ahead at the 1500 metre mark but the Kiwi four pushed on and crossed the line first a few tenths ahead, with France and Ukraine just a second down. The time - 6.18 - was also fastest of both of the repechages.

Picture shows (from left): Tyson Williams, Hamish Burson, Simon Watson and Jade Uru – who won their repechage to qualify for the semi final of the coxless fours event at the 2009 Rowing World Championships in Poznan, Poland.

Tomorrow:

Men's Lightweight Coxless Four - 26th August - 8.48pm New Zealand time. Follow the race on FISA's Live Results Viewer at www.worldrowing.com

Women's Heavyweight Quadruple Scull - 26th August - 9.00pm New Zealand time. Follow the race on FISA's Live Results Viewer at www.worldrowing.com