Participants from the Philippines settled for decent finishes, even as rowers from the host country claimed slots to the Tokyo Olympics at the Asia and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic qualifier in Tokyo, Japan.
And as organizers successfully contained a reported COVID-19 case, Ryuta Arakawa and Shiho Yonekawa claimed seats to the Olympics after topping the men’s and women’s single sculls finals, respectively, on Friday.
Arakawa, who raced in the men’s double at the 2019 World Rowing Championships, took off in a final sprint and ruled the men’s 2,000-meter course in seven minutes and 1.59 seconds.
Bahman Nasiri of Iran took the silver (7:08.98), while Vladislav Yakovlev of Kazakhstan bagged the bronze.
On the other hand, Filipino bet Cris Nievarez made it to third in the group finals and settled for ninth place in 7:37.55.
In the women’s side, Yonakawa completely broke away with 500m left to row to grab the gold in 7:43.13, with Nazanin Malaei of Iran trailing in 7:50.53 and Yi Ting Huang of Taipei in third (7:58.78).
Another Japanese duo in Naoki Furuta and Mitsuo Nishimura managed to inch away early on to dominate the men’s lightweight double sculls in 6:34.70, with rowers from India and Uzbekistan taking second and third.
Pinoy rowers Roque Abala and Zuriel Sumintac later settled for third, and eventually finished ninth place overall in Group B.
Japan’s Chiaki Tomita and Ayami Oishi claimed the gold as they took the lead with 250 meters left to row in the lightweight women’s double sculls, with the Filipino duo of Joanie Delgaco and Jen Caballero ruling Group B, but landing seventh overall.
There were a total of 16 quota slots to the Olympics that were staked during the event.
According to reports, a team support member of Sri Lanka tested positive for COVID-19.
Event protocols in place to limit the risk of infection were followed and the other members of the Sri Lankan team were all tested.
Organizers reported no more cases after that since accommodation, dining and transport protocols have been followed.