Law cruises closer to Olympics with Shanghai semi-final berth

Talented Hong Kong rower Law Hiu-fung is one step away from qualifying for the Summer Olympics in Athens after he breezed into the semi-finals of the men's open single scull event at the Asian Olympic qualifiers in Shanghai yesterday.

The 20-year-old finished second behind fancied Chinese Su Hui in his heat to move directly into the semi-finals.

Law finished the 2,000 metre race in seven minutes 38.75 seconds, 12 seconds behind Su. Law will now need to finish in the top three in his semi-final tomorrow to book his ticket to Athens.

'He stands a very good chance of qualifying for the Olympics. He did just what he had to do which was to finish behind the Chinese rower. Law is looking good,' said Hong Kong coach Chris Perry.

But Hong Kong's other two crews, Lee Ka-man in the women's open singles sculls, and men's lightweight double scull duo So Sau-wah and Lo Ting-wai, will have to take the long and scenic route, after they failed to finish among the top two in their respective heats.

However, they still are in with a chance as they will take part in today's repechages which they have to win to gain a place in the semi-finals. To qualify for the Olympics, athletes must finish in the top six of the men's single scull (all finalists are thus assured of a berth), the top three in the men's lightweight double and top five in the women's single scull. Hong Kong do not have a crew in the other event - the women's lightweight double.

'It has been a reasonable start for us. While Law is in a good position, the other two crews were a bit unlucky, finishing third in their races. They failed to make it directly through to the semis but still have a chance if they win their repechages,' said Perry.