The finals are upon us on the last day of the Aegon KHB

Jun 25, 2017

The finals are upon us on the last day of the Aegon KHB

As the weekend progresses, we are getting to the business end of the regatta. This afternoon we will know who may lift the Holland Beker, and if Emma Twigg can defend her Ladies’ Trophy. A livestream is available here. Results can be found through this link.

Ladies’ Trophy (3:40 pm)

Olympic silver medallist Inge Janssen looks in form as she posted the fastest time this morning in the semi-finals. She was 4 seconds faster than Cambridge RC’s Mary Jones and a stunning 12 seconds faster than Emma Twigg, who was racing in the other semi-final. Twigg however may not have spent as much effort, as she lead the whole race from start to finish in front of Constanze Duell from Münchener RC and Reading RC’s Laura Meridew. Also keep a close watch on Karolien Florijn, who finished third in the first semi-final but posted a sharp time as well.

Holland Beker (4 pm)

In contrast to his recent performances, Damir Martin seems to be back on track. He took a 2 second lead on Ondrej Synek by the halfway point this morning and successfully defended his lead. Martin may be the favourite to lift the Holland Beker this afternoon. However, one should never underestimate Ondrej Synek as he may have saved his best for last. Laga’s Amos Keijser joins the two gentlemen in the final as Holland’s sole chance for a Holland Beker win.

In the other semi-final, Stephan Krueger went out fast. In the second half of the race, Denmark’s Sverri Nielsen came close, but Krueger used his experience to secure the first spot in the final. The final qualifying spot went to Jon Stimpson from Nottingham RC, fending off the challenges from German Olympic Champions Karl Schulze and Hans Gruhne.

Who to watch

From 1 pm, there are plenty of other finals to enjoy. One of the first most notable races, are the A finals of the Men’s and Women’s U23 single. The field comprises rowers from the Netherlands, Denmark and the Czech Republic, among others. Shortly after those finals, is the Women’s double sculls at 1:37 pm, featuring Dutch internationals Roos de Jong and Marloes Oldenburg and an interesting composite crew comprising Olympic Champion in the Women’s Lightweight double Maaike Head, and Leal Fernanda from CR Flamengo.

The Men’s pair at 2 pm is another high-profile race, as yesterday’s winners Dunkley-Smith/Booth will have to test their speed against Dutch World Cup participants Wullings/Uittenbogaard. The latter had the fastest time in the heats this morning, therefor this should be a very interesting race. Following the Men’s pair, are the Lightweight Men’s and Women’s double sculls. With crews from Hong Kong, Denmark and the Czech Republic, there is no doubt we will see some high-class racing. Also watch out for British Olympians Graeme Thomas and Angus Groome in the Men’s double sculls at 2:22 pm. From 2:37 pm, it’s time for the Women’s and Men’s coxless four. Particularly the Men’s race is going to be an exciting match up between the Dutch National Four, and the Dutch U23 four.

The late afternoon will be a showcase for the Dutch National squad as both the Men’s and Women’s quad take to the water. At 5:12 pm, there is a very exciting final in the Men’s eight, featuring the Holland 8, and the Dutch U23 eight, reigning U23 World Champions. We finish the regatta with the Freshmen eights and Development fours, where the best freshmen and sophomores of the country battle it out for the most prestigious win in their current season.