Bond proves singles worth in NZ regatta

In rough water conditions Drysdale was ahead of Bond for much of the race but a powerful closing sprint by Bond propelled him ahead of Drysdale and gave him a win of two and a half seconds over the Olympic Champion.

Bond, who is best known for rowing in the men's pair, has been training regularly in the single to add variety to the usual pairs rowing that has earned him the Olympic Champion title as well as four World Championship titles.

Behind Drysdale, Olympian from the men's quad and last year's men's double representative, Robbie Manson finished third and Bond's pair partner, Eric Murray finished fourth.

The regatta attracted more than 2,300 rowers with racing taking place over three days and included most of New Zealand's top rowers. Olympic Champion from the men's double sculls, Joseph Sullivan continued to prove himself after a disappointing 2013 season. Sullivan teamed up with Manson to win the double sculls event.

The lightweight women's single sculls was won by Brooke Donoghue. The 2013 junior representative won over her more established teammates of Lucy Strack and Julia Edward. Donoghue, 19, was in the junior women's quadruple sculls last year while Strack and Edward raced on the senior team in the lightweight women's double sculls at the 2013 World Rowing Championships.

YouTube video of the finish of the men's single: http://youtu.be/PIR-LXTD6Xc