Wind sees rowing showdown postponed

The rowing showdown between Rob Waddell and Mahe Drysdale was cancelled today due to windy, choppy conditions at Lake Karapiro.

The rivals for New Zealand's sole single sculls berth at this year's Beijing Olympics were due to row head-to-head at 9am in the last of three trials.

But conditions weren't good and Rowing NZ decided to push the race back. All rowing for the day was called off before 10am.

Drysdale, three-times world champion, won the opening race between the pair on Sunday before Waddell, the 2000 Olympic gold medallist, triumphed by half a length yesterday.

The race three victor may have the inside running for single sculls selection but it's not guaranteed he will be named in that boat when the squad is announced on Friday.

The RNZ selection panel of Conrad Robertson, Dick Tonks and Athol Earl are scheduled to forward their recommended squad for Beijing to the New Zealand Olympic Committee at the completion of the trials tomorrow afternoon.

Whoever misses out on the single sculls spot was likely to be notified so he can trial in one or more crew boats that have already qualified for the Olympics.

But neither Waddell nor Drysdale has given RNZ an assurance that they would be keen to pursue a crew spot for Beijing, such has been their single-minded focus on chasing the single sculls berth.

- © Fairfax NZ News