Youth Olympic Kayaking: Wang Nan Feng fails to make it past round 3 of Canoe Sprint

Story by Delle Chan/Red Sports. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

Marina Reservoir, Saturday, August 21, 2010 — 16-year-old Wang Nan Feng made it as far as Round 3 of the Women’s K1 Head to Head Canoe Sprint event, but failed to progress further to the final after losing out to Joanna Bruska of Poland.

In Round 1, Nan Feng failed to obtain direct qualification to Round 3, losing out narrowly to Australia’s Jessica Fox. She had clocked a timing of 1 minute 50.14 seconds, as compared to Jessica’s 1:46.54.

However, in Round 2 repechage, Nan Feng paddled to a comfortable victory over Pavlina Zasterova from the Czech Republic, much to the delight of the ardent home supporters. She maintained a distinct lead over Zasterova from start to finish, eventually posting a timing of 1:49.20, in contrast to the latter’s 2:00.02.

When asked about her performance in the repechages, Nan Feng said, “I felt a bit more confident for this race, as there was less pressure. (My philosophy) for Round 3 later is ‘do and die’.”

In Round 3, Nan Feng was up against Poland’s Joanne Bruska. True to her philosophy, Nan Feng evidently fired all cylinders for the race. However, Bruska proved to be too powerful for her to handle, leading the race from start to finish. Nan Feng eventually clocked a timing of 1:53.13, 9.92 seconds behind her imposing Polish opponent.

After her race, Nan Feng appeared slightly down but not out. “I had nothing to lose, especially since I know where I stand. I gave my all and I feel good about that. I am looking forward to the slalom as I am a bit more confident about that event!”

The final for the Head to Head Canoe Sprint events will be held tomorrow, whereas the Slalom events will be held this coming Tuesday, August 24. All of the races will take place at Marina Reservoir.

Click here for Round 1 results
Click here for Round 2 results
Click here for Round 3 results