Lydia Heaphy books semi-final spot at World Championships

Lydia Heaphy sealed her place in the women's lightweight sculls semi-finals with an assured performance on the third day of World Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.

The Skibbereen woman was competing in the repechage for the A/B semi-finals after narrowly missing out on the direct route on Sunday, where she finished less than a second behind Iran’s Nazanin Malaei for second place.

This morning she signalled her intent from the outset, leading through the 500m mark before European Championships silver medallist Zoi Fitsiou assumed control of the race, with the Greek finishing a boat length ahead of Heaphy.

The top two advanced into the A/B semi-finals.

The para-2 mixed double sculls crew of Katie O’Brien and Steven McGowen finished third in their heat, meaning the repechage is their next outing.

Watch the World Rowing Championships on RTÉ Player next Friday, Saturday (also on RTÉ One) and Sunday.