Grey skies at Dorney this morning but the rain has stopped during morning practice so it’s dry for the first races. There is a light headwind at the finish, so the start could be choppy.

Semi E/F1: El Salvador, Peru, Hong Kong, Niger

Three of these crews will go to E-Final, one to F-Final. The Niger sculler qualified through a wildcard and has only been rowing for three months. He has won the hearts of the crowd at Dorney. Three boats level off the start with the Niger sculler dropping back quickly. El Salvador half a length up early on but they come back together towards 500m. The Hong Kong sculler is half a length up on El Salvador with Peru in third. Hong Kong stretching away. The first three know they will go through comfortably. El Salvador slowing and moves back into third. He opens his body quickly into the finish but lacking leg drive. Hong Kong has opened up almost four lengths, Peru over a length on El Salvador. The Niger sculler is about 200m back now. El Salvador is still pushing on; Peru sitting on his bow. Hong Kong scullers looks smooth out in front. The crews cross the line in that order. Big applause for the Niger sculler who passes 1750m as the others finish.

Semi E/F2: Cameroon, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Kazhakstan, Chinese Taipei

Zimbabwe and Chinese Taipei move out early and are level through 1500m. Kazhakstan in third, a length back. Clear water back to Tunisia in 4th. Cameroon 5th. All boats within 3 lengths at 1750m. Cameroon looks to have settled for the F-Final. Tunisia fighting for qualification. Taipei moving through and crosses the line first with Kazhakstan inches behind. Zimbabwe sculler took it easy into the finish to come third. Tunisia and Cameroon go to F-Final.