Lightweight Men’s Single Sculls (LM1x) - Bronze for NZL

by Rowing-World & FISA on 26 Aug 2006 Zac Purchase of Great Britain is the new World Best Time holder. With a time of 6:47.82 Purchase out-rowed the old time of 6:47.97 set in 1999 by Denmark.

This continues the rise of the Brit that began last year when he became the under 23 champion and followed it up with a silver at the senior level. Still just 20 years old, Purchase spent the first half of this season recovering from injury but came back in time to win the final stage of the Rowing World Cup.

At the start of the race, however, it was Greece in the lead with the high-rating Juan Zunzunegui Guimerans of Spain following closely behind. Purchase didn’t seem to mind and pulling out a piece at the 950 metre mark got his bow-riggered boat into the lead. From then on there was no stopping him. Zunzunegui Guimerans tried to hold on, but had no effect.

Meanwhile New Zealand’s Duncan Grant was working his way into the bronze medal position from the outside lane. Despite Spain’s 40 stroke rate charge at the end, Purchase took the gold, Zunzunegui Guimerans silver and Grant bronze.

Zunzunegui Guimerans: 'I knew that Zac was stronger. I tried my best but he was faster and for my first year in the single I feel good in this category.'


See www.rowinginfo.info for the Finals in pictures

Result  World Cup World Rowing Championships 2006, Eton - Race 193: LM1x  Final A
Rank	Boat	500 m	1000 m	1500 m	Finish	Lane
1	GBR	1:38.72  (3)	3:21.23  (1)	5:04.70  (1)	6:47.82	4
Zac PURCHASE
2	ESP	1:37.90  (2)	3:21.49  (2)	5:06.24  (2)	6:50.14	3
Juan ZUNZUNEGUI GUIMERANS
3	NZL	1:39.71  (4)	3:23.25  (4)	5:07.39  (3)	6:52.73	6
Duncan GRANT
4	SLO	1:42.02  (6)	3:27.22  (6)	5:12.75  (5)	6:57.62	2
Bine PISLAR
5	GRE	1:37.54  (1)	3:21.90  (3)	5:09.15  (4)	6:59.69	5
Elias PAPPAS
6	NED	1:40.04  (5)	3:25.42  (5)	5:14.00  (6)	7:06.05	1
Gerard VAN DER LINDEN
Key to terms: DNA=Data Not Available DNF=Did Not Finish DNS=Did Not Start DSQ=Disqualified EXC=Excluded BUW=Boat Under Weight