Canoeing: Jones and Dawson regain slalom titles

Tauranga's Olympic kayakers Mike Dawson and Luuka Jones comfortably won back their national canoe slalom titles at the New Zealand championships in Kawerau on Sunday.

After missing the nationals last year to focus on their London Olympic build-up, the pair joined a strong field of national and international paddlers on the purpose-built course on the Tarawera River.

Jones clocked 103.90secs in her first run without any penalties to finish 10.47secs clear of her nearest challenger, young Wanaka schoolgirl Jess Bailey, with the experienced Louise Jull third in 116.64.

Young Australian Kate Eckhardt, part of an 18-strong contingent from the Australian national talent squad, had the second-fastest time with a 110.97 and Martina Wegman (Netherlands) was third in 111.85, though neither qualified for the New Zealand title.

Jones wrapped up her fifth national title with ease.

"It was really good to have a bit of racing on a proper course. This is only my second race of the year after Oceanias, so it was good to see where I was at and see how I could put a run together," said Jones.

"It went a lot better than I expected to, so that's a good confidence builder before I head overseas."

Dawson's second run of 90.69 was just behind Australian Lucien Delfour, who clocked 89.29 in an impressive first run, but the 26-year-old Kiwi was delighted with his first race since breaking his back in Chile in November.

"I was pretty nervous, lining up with only three weeks' training under my belt, especially with a new wave of fast young talent coming through," said Dawson.

"These young guys are really laying down some fast times but luckily I did enough to get it done today."

Tauranga Boys' College student Callum Gilbert was the second New Zealander home in 97.63, while 20-year-old Ben Gibb, also from Tauranga, was third in 98.39.

Gilbert won the under-18 title at the New Zealand secondary schools titles earlier in the week at the same venue.

Gibb was the first New Zealander home in the C1, clocking 101.35 and finishing just behind Czech paddler Pavel Foukel. Shaun Higgins was second Kiwi in 106.25, Brent Bastin third and Gilbert capped a big week with a fourth-placed finish.

"The race was a pretty good indication of how my preparation for the World Cups and championships is going too."