Why they'll win: Because they are on the upgrade. Wu and Gao have been training together for years after working their way up the ladder in Jiangxi. It's been a slightly circuitous route for Gao as she started out as a javelin thrower. The duo began in eights and fours - Wu competed in the eights in Athens - but everything clicked when they were made a pair. They have beaten established rivals from Germany and the United States in two World Cup regattas this year, and their form makes them an integral part of China's new rowing medal machine.

Who can stop them: Lenka Wech and Maren Derlien (Germany), Anna Cummins and Portia McGee (US)

Final: Saturday 16th