Day 2 Worlds Dragon Boat Racing: Russia Wins Five titles in one day
First day of finals at the Idroscalo Regatta Course in Milan, Italy at the ICF Dragon Boat World Championship and the Russians, with the largest delegation among the countries that are competing with over 170 members dominate.
The Russian team is now World Champions in five of the eight titles disputed over the distance of 500 meters. In the 10 seater category, Russia won in the senior male and female events and in the 20 seater they triumphed in the senior men's, women’s and mixed categories. The Hungarian delegation, the only country to have fielded teams in all categories, stood out performance wise in yesterday’s competition had to settle for three second places and one third place in the finals.
Beaten by Split Seconds
The host country, Italy finished second in the men's master 10 seater category and in the master mixed category (20 seater) missing out on victory by cm’s from the Russians.
Of the other titles awarded, two went to the Philippines, in the 500 meters men’s 10 seater and the mixed category where they were exceptional leading from the start in an enthralling race. Germany maintained their excellent run in Dragon Boat racing with a Gold in the 20 seater mixed master event over 500m.
The races were well received by a vocal and appreciate crowd who stayed for the awards ceremony. However the Ceremonies had to be curtailed due to a vicious summer thunderstorm. Many of the winners sheltered and celebrated in the stands. Those Ceremonies not completed will be done tomorrow.
Dragon Boat Pursuit
Saturday will see teams challenge on the longer distance of this Championship, the 2000 meters. Also the pursuit race on the 500m circuit will be contested. This is a spectacular event where the Dragon boats can always be visible from the stands with one boat chasing the other. The boats leave every 10 seconds and the winner is decided will be decided by their time over the course.
The competition this weekend will be broadcast by RAI (ITA) and SKY (private international TV).
Find information, schedule and results on the official website of the 2012 ICF DRAGON BOAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: www.idroscaloclub.org/dragon/eng/live.html