A first for rower Virk: Worlds semis berth

Sculler Sawarn Singh Virk enhanced his reputation of being the country’s top rower by became the first Indian to qualify for the semifinals of the World Championships in Chungju,South Korea,on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old braved stormy weather to clock 7:14.21 in his single sculls quarterfinal,finishing second 2012 Olympics bronze medallist Alan Campbell (7:08.70) of Great Britain. Sawarn was 10 seconds quicker in his heat but stormy weather conditions on Wednesday took a toll on all the rowers,with the average timings increasing across field.

The semifinals will be held on Friday. India has sent a team of 20 rowers along with two coaches for the event.

Story continues below this ad

Swarn first came into the limelight with a strong performance in the London Olympics last year.

There,he finished second in semifinal C the Eton Dorney Rowing Centre where he clocked 7:36.25. He eventually finished fourth in the quarterfinals,which ousted him from competing in the main semifinal round.