Rowing: GB's lightweight four strike gold

(Getty Images)

Britain won their third gold of the world championships – in the men's lightweight four – on a day of thrilling finals in Karapiro, New Zealand.

An elated Richard Chambers and Paul Mattick regained the world crown they won in the four in 2007, with Rob Williams and Chris Bartley now sitting in front of them. Three boats were neck-and-neck at the 1500m mark, before China burst through to join a blanket finish. After a photo review, just 0.56 seconds separated Britain in first place and world champions Germany, who were pushed out of the medals.

"We're used to it," said Bartley of the finish. "It's always going to be tight in the four and we're just pleased we came out on top. It's the best feeling."

British men's pair Andy Hodge and Pete Reed were closer than ever to their New Zealand rivals but had to accept silver after a 12th successive loss, finishing 0.32 seconds behind, while there was silver for Helen Glover and Heather Stanning in the women's pair. Single sculler Alan Campbell grabbed a bronze.