The New Zealand womens eight made an impressive start to their World Rowing Championship campaign in Florida by winning their heat to qualify directly for the final.
New Zealand women's eight at 2017 World Rowing Championships. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The pace was on with only one A final berth up for grabs but cox Sam Bosworth paced his crew magnificently down the course, holding off powerhouses USA and Great Britain.
The local favourite and historically dominant USA women's eight could only muster second place behind the black boat of New Zealand, while Great Britain took third.
The US has dominated for a full 11 years and although this is a relatively young crew the expectations must have been pushing them on.
Great Britain came out the quickest with New Zealand and the United States right on the pace. Then New Zealand pulled ahead of Great Britain with the United States taking chase. There was nothing between them as New Zealand and USA moved away from Great Britain. The sprint to the line saw New Zealand rate higher and hold the advantage.
Romania won the other heat, with the rest of the boats going to a repechage.
The men's eight will face a repechage after taking fourth place in a loaded heat.
The New Zealanders moved from fifth to fourth, but couldn't match the blistering pace at the front of the field with Germany, USA and Romania confidently leading the pack.
World best time holders Germany took the win after facing a tough challenge from the USA.
The regatta continues tomorrow with repechages, quarter and semi finals.
