Men's Single Sculls (M1x) - Final

Last year’s bronze medallist Angel Fournier Rodriguez of Cuba showed that he is back on form when he won the Bled International Regatta two days ago. Today Fournier met former World Champion in the men’s quadruple sculls, Damir Martin of Croatia. Martin missed the 2014 season due to injury, which not only caused the split of the Croatian quad but consequently saw the uniting of his teammates into a World Champion men’s double combination.

Martin got out the fastest with Fournier also showing to have a quick start. By the middle of the race, Fournier had pushed into the lead with Martin holding on. But then Martin looked like he did not have the power that Fournier had and the Cuban was able to break away. The race then turned to the battle going on between Egypt (Nour El Din Hassanein) and Switzerland (Markus Kessler) for the bronze medal.  At the line Fournier had held on to gold, with Martin in second and Kessler keeping the competition away to take bronze.

Results: CUB, CRO, SUI, SLO, EGY, CHN

Gold – Angel Fournier Rodriguez – Cuba

I had a good preparation in Italy and raced in Piediluco. This victory represents a lot for me. I will race in Varese but not Lucerne as I will be at Pan American Games.

Silver – Damir Martin – Croatia

I put all my attention on Angel, as he is the only really fast guy here. This is my first season in the single after the quad and one year off due to injury so I have a lot to learn.

Bronze – Markus Kessler – Switzerland

The level was not high here, but this medal is great and I need to gain some experience.

B-final

Slovenia2 of Janez Zupan was the rower to watch as he had recorded the fastest time of these boat from yesterday’s heats. Zupan is moving into his second decade of international racing and he was in his country’s men’s quad last year. Zupan got out very quickly and was in a dominating position by the middle of the race. Zhigiang Shi of China2 followed in second. Coming through to the finish Shi managed to close on Zupan. but Zupan had enough to hold him off.

Results: SLO2, UZB, CHN2, BUL, VAN, BEN