Paul O'Donovan cruises into semis at World Rowing Championships

Paul O'Donovan cruised to victory in his heat at the World Rowing Championships in Canada this afternoon, coming home over seven seconds ahead of the chasing pack.

O'Donovan was appearing on the water for the first time since claiming another gold at the Olympic Games in Paris earlier this month.

That was alongside Fintan McCarthy in the lightweight double sculls but this was in the individuals as the Skibbereen rower crossed the line in a time of 6:41:98.

Alexis Lopez Garcia, of Mexico was second with Norway's Oskar Soedal coming home third.

O'Donovan is due in the water again for his semi-final on Friday.