Olympics: Swarn Singh books Q/F berth in rowing

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London, July 29: Rower Swarn Singh held off a late challenge from his South Korean rival Kim Dongyong to win the single sculls repechage round and book a berth in the last eight.

Swarn, who had to compete in the repechage round after finishing fourth in the heats yesterday, clocked 7:00.49 to complete the 2-km distance, winning the five-man race by more than a boat length, at the Eton Dorney Rowing Centre.

Swarn Singh (left) is seen with other Indian rowers in London

The 23-year-old from Punjab had clocked 6:54.04 in the heats on Saturday. Kim, who clocked 7:03.91 to finish second, also made it to the quarterfinals which will be held on Tuesday.

Swarn led the five-rower race from the start itself and only Kim gave him competition while the others fell behind. In the last 500m, Kim made a last-ditch effort to catch up with Swarn, but the Indian not only held off the challenge but also stretched the lead to win the race by one-and-a-half boat length.

PTI