The selection process

* Trials start today with a 2000m test on the indoor rowing machine (ergometer).

* This will be followed by the best- of-three races in the single sculls – one race per day.

* The race format will be one-on- one.

* If water conditions are deemed to be unfair, the race will be postponed till conditions are fair.

* If the winning margin is small, the selectors will have some discretion.

* The sculler that loses will then join the rest of the trials for potential selection into another boat. This will happen straight after the best-of-three has been completed.

* March 7: The New Zealand squad for Beijing will be named.

Ultimately, the final decision is in the hands of Rowing New Zealand's three selectors.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Whoever is selected will become the New Zealand representative in the men's single sculls at the Beijing Olympic Games in August.

Apart from the men's single, New Zealand has already qualified (in men's events) the pair, double and four for the Olympics.

Rowing selectors will have the option of trying out the loser in any of these boats. They will also have the option of trying to qualify for the men's quad and eight in the final Olympic qualification regatta in June.

- © Fairfax NZ News