Champions out to defend their titles

World Champions will be out to defend their titles when the Men's single kayak and double canoe finals are contested at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium here in an hour.

World Champions Marcus Becker and Stefan Henze of Germany qualifed in 8th place for the C2 final at 2.16pm, some 6.8seconds off the pace of leaders and teammates Christian Bahmann and Michael Senft.

Their biggest rivals and Olympic Champions the Slovakian brothers Peter and Pavol Hochschorner sensationally failed to make the final.

In the Men's K1 final at 3pm, France's Fabien Lefevre is second fastest qualifier for the final and has a great chance of defending his title.

His biggest challenge will come from Slovakia's Jan Sajbidor who was fastest qualifier.

None of the Australians in action today made it past the semi-finals, with all attention still focussed on the feat of Robin Bell who won gold in the men's single canoe (C1) on Saturday.