Rowing: Key turns corner

AS LUCERNE was drenched in continuous rain, the British women's teams and lightweight men flourished while the heavyweight men collapsed like cardboard.

Three women's lightweight boats worked their passage to today's finals. Helen Mangan and Patricia Corless had a much more efficient race to win their repechage after a poor row in the first round on Friday. Sue Key recovered some of her 1992 form and reached the final with third place in the semi-final behind Mette Bloch-Jensen, champion for the last three years.

The lightweight men were led by Peter Haining, who has rediscovered his Scottish origins after 10 years in Nottingham, and looked very strong in winning his semi-final over Niall O'Toole, the 1991 champion, whose fight to lose weight has weakened him.

Notts County took their semi-final in the fastest time without strain and should, barring accidents, win today. The new lightweight men's quadruple scull qualified safely behind Italy and Germany and has the strength to win a good position today although lack of racing experience at the highest level will keep them out of the medals.

Steven Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent won their semi-final but they are not happy, in spite of their dominance of the event, and long for a hard race. The two coxed fours were incapable of holding the pace and finished last and second last in the whole event.