Rowing: Cohen denies Drysdale seventh title

Nathan Cohen, centre, after winning the Premier Single sculls with second placed Mahe Drysdale on left and third placed Peter Taylor. Photo / NZPA

World double sculling champion Nathan Cohen upset four-time world champion Mahe Drysdale to claim victory in the single sculls at the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel today.

Cohen powered home with a withering sprint in the final quarter of the race to deny Drysdale a record-equalling seventh national title.

The race quickly developed into a three way scrap between Drysdale, Cohen and lightweight Peter Taylor, who had a fantastic first 1000 metres to go through the halfway mark in the lead.

Drysdale responded at half distance and established a small lead, but was never able to shake off Cohen who pounced with the line in sight.

Cohen revealed he had been battling illness in the lead up to the championships.

"I have been feeling pretty under the weather this week and I really only came good as I was sat on the start line, so it feels great to have put a race like that together. I have had better build ups to this race in recent years if I am being honest, but it is awesome to win it," he said.

Drysdale said he had no problems with his troublesome back during the race, but admitted that with limited time on the water because of the injury, a sprint against Cohen in the last few hundred metres was not something he had relished.

"The plan was to get out into an early lead and fight off any challenges," said Drysdale. "Just after 1000 metres I slipped out to a narrow lead, but Nathan responded. I went again at 600 metres and he responded again. I couldn't shake him off - he just has more fitness at the moment."

World bronze medallist Emma Twigg dominated the women's top sculling event, leading from the start to finish ahead of lightweight sculls winner Lucy Strack and Fiona Bourke.

- NZPA