Men's K1 Semi-Final - top names knocked out

Two top names have been knocked out of the 2005 World Canoe Slalom Championships Men's K1 Final on Sunday after competitors consistently struggled at the start of the course, and through gates 8, 9 and 10.

World number one Peter Kauzer of Slovenia and top qualifier Campbell Walsh of Britain failed to qualify with times of 103.10 and 103.43 respectively.

Instead, World Number 16 Jan Sajbidor of Slovakia (100.86) is in first position going into the final after a consistent performance, followed closely by defending champion Fabien Lefevre of France (101.69) and Fabian Doerfler of Germany (101.76).

The current Olympic Champion Benoit Peschier of France also scraped into the final, finishing 9th with 103.77.

Among the controversy was a protest by 4th placed Julien Billaut, also of France, who originally clocked 150.03 until a 50 second penalty was overturned by the judges.

The Australian contingent in the semi-final were well supported by a cheer squad in yellow sombreros and green skirts who raced alongside them making lots of noise.

Anthony Brown, John Wilkie and Robert Parker placed 20th, 31st and 38th respectively.

By Emma Bryant
Infostrada Sports