Rower Hannes Obreno qualified Tuesday for the skiff semi-finals.As in the series on Saturday, the Belgian was the fastest in his race in the third quarter-final.
“Today was more difficult than in the series. The water was more whipped up, which affects stability,” explained Obreno. “My time (6:48.90) was very good, the third best in the quarter-finals.” Mid-way through the race Obreno was in second place behind Egyptian Adelhadek Elbanna, who finished third, thus qualifying for the semi-finals.
“I didn’t think he would make it. I was ahead just after the first kilometre and was then able to control the race. The last 500 metres were difficult, but I held fast.” Thursday Obreno will try to seek his ticket to the A final. “I now have two days to recover. It should be enough. In any case I am in the top 12. Before the games I would have given anything for a semi-final. Now that I’m there, I cannot say that the games are over for me. It’s a good start. Everything went as I wished. The sensation on the boat is very good.”
Obreno and his competitors had to start twice on Tuesday. Several seconds after the beginning of the race, a signal went off. “It wasn’t a false start, but improper alignment. I think someone wasn’t exactly beside the starting block. It turned out well because my first start was rather bad,” joshed the 25-year-old Belgian.
(Source: Belga)