Unity is strength for emotional British rowing squad after Queen's death

By Alec McQuarrie, Sportsbeat Swansea rower Ben Pritchard has explained how the British rowing squad are sticking together for emotional support at the World Championships following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Ad The Paralympian safely advanced to Friday's PR1 men’s single sculls semi-finals after finishing second in his heat with a time of 9:36.89. RowingThomas triumphs in 'long-busting' opening round of World Rowing ChampionshipsAN HOUR AGO The former cyclist and triathlete, who won European bronze in Munich last month, has taken plenty of encouragement from how the squad have started in Racice but says the mood in the camp has been solemn.

«It's been a bit hard really because obviously, like the rest of the country, we've been mourning Her Majesty's death,» said Pritchard. «I think that's played a big part in the atmosphere. I'’s a bit sombre at the moment.

»Everyone's grouped together and everyone's come together. We are trying to keep our emotions in check because we've got a job to do as well." Pritchard was not the only member of the British para squad to enjoy success on Monday, with both the PR3 mixed four and the PR3 men’s pair booked their place in Friday’s finals after winning their heats. «It's been really good to see the guys racing,» said Pritchard.

«It's the first time that the four will be doubling up in the pair as well. »It's good to see that the work we've done this year is paying off. The guys yesterday absolutely smashed it – the pair and the four." Pritchard cruised home in his heat with a 34-second lead over third-placed Takuya Mori but knows there’s still room for improvement.