Day 2 Competition Review - Gold for Australia and Slovakia

Australian Robin Bell secured gold in today's Men's C1 final at the international Canoe Slalom World Championships ending a day of intense competition with an early surprise when overnight leader Stuart McIntosh [GBR] failed to qualify for the men's C1 final.

In Saturday's Final competition Tony Estanguet [FRA], who started in the middle of the final field, set the benchmark early with a clean and unhurried run.

Bell was the only competitor able to better his time after putting in an inspired run, the determination evident on his face as he powered over the finish.

Bell took the lead by the thinnest of margins [0.21 seconds] with three time Olympic medallist and defending World Champion Michal Martikan unable to post a faster run and eventually placing third.

Entering the final of the Woman's K1 with a number 1 world ranking, Stephanka Hilgertova was unable to emulate the competition form which saw her take gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and defend her title four years later.

The Czech paddler managed fourth behind Elena Kaliska [SVK] Mandy Planert [GER] and Peggy Dickens [FRA].

Elena Kaliska took the honours after fellow paddler Gabriela Zamiskova Broskova was disqualified after not reporting to officials in the required time.

McIntosh, who went into the semi-final the fastest qualifier, ran into trouble early and was unable to make up for lost time. His early exit from the competition contributed to the finals berth of Australia's other hope Kynan Maley.

Semi-final competition in the Women's K1 was not subjected to such high profile exits.

With three competitors within medal contention, the Czech Republic's greatest medal hope Stephanka Hilgertova was joined by Irena Pavelkova and Marcela Sadilova in the final.

German's Jennifer Bongardt delivered a strong performance early in competition to join compatriot Mandy Planert in the finals race.

Australian Victoria Milne was forced to endure a nervous wait to find out if she had made the final - was she was pipped at the post and finally ranked 11th overall, outside the final.

Hot conditions at Penrith Whitewater Stadium were all the excuse Australian supporters needed to dive into the water and congratulate Bell once competition had concluded.

By Andrew Lasky
Infostrada Sports