August 31, 2019 - The Sinkovic brothers, also known as Valent and Martin Sinkovic, defended the world rowing championship title in the coxless pairs discipline.

The Sinkovic brothers dominated the final race at the World Championships in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria, from the first to the last row, finishing 3.19 seconds ahead of second-placed New Zealanders Thomas Murray and Michael Brake, reports HRT.

The bronze went to Australians Sam Hardy and Joshua Hicks, who were 7.53 seconds behind the Sinkovic brothers. 

After the first 500 meters, the Sinkovic brothers were already a boat ahead of the New Zealanders, and halfway through the course, their advantage almost doubled (2.88 seconds) ahead of their closest opponents, while the Australians in third and Italians in fourth were already behind by more than five seconds.

Although the New Zealand crew seemed to be approaching the Croatian duo in the third leg of the course, Valent and Martin still increased their advantage with a forceful finish.

For the Sinkovic brothers, this is the sixth gold from the world championships. They won with David Šain and Damir Martin (2010, 2013) in the quadruple sculls, twice in the double sculls (2014, 2015) and twice in coxless pairs (2018, 2019). They also have silver in coxless pairs from 2017 and a bronze in the quadruple sculls from 2011.

FINAL:

1. Croatia 6:42.28

2. New Zealand 6:45.47

3. Australia 6:51.81

4. Italy 6:55.34

5. Spain 6:57.40

6. France 7:02.05

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

August 30, 2019 - After placing in the finals of the World Championships, which are held in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria, the Sinković brothers fulfilled their first goal, which is qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics next year.

Brothers Valentin and Martin Sinković have advanced to the finals of coxless pairs at the Rowing World Championships in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria, after finishing with the fastest time of 6:27.080 in the group semifinals, reports Gol.hr.

In the second place, 1.88 seconds behind the Sinković bothers, was Italy's Matteo Lodo and Giuseppe Vicino with a time of 6:28.960, and in third Spanish duo Jaime Canalejo Pazos and Javier Garcia Ordonez with a time of 6:29.320. In first place in the second semifinal group was New Zealand's Thomas Murray and Michael Brake (6.26.630), in second was Australia's Sam Hardy and Joshua Hicks (6: 27.070) and in third French team Valentin and Theophile Onofroy (6:27.300).

"It’s a relief! We sort of expected to qualify, but it’s still a relief! We’re ready for the final. It would be a dream to win. First the 2x, then the 2-, that would be a dream,” said Valent Sinković after the win. 

Valent Sinković - CRO M2-
"It’s a relief! We sort of expected to qualify, but it’s still a relief! We’re ready for the final. It would be a dream to win. First the 2x, then the 2-, that would be a dream"

?Ben Chattell / World Rowing #WRChamps pic.twitter.com/FvBigpa63Y

— World Rowing (@WorldRowing) August 30, 2019

This semi-final race was due to take place on Thursday, but as the other group had to paddle in the afternoon since the Polish crew broke a paddle, it was moved on Friday to allow all crews plenty of time to rest.

By securing a spot in the finals, the Sinković brothers fulfilled their first goal, which is qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics next year.

The finale is scheduled for Saturday at 1:37 p.m.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

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