Australian Institute of Sport athletes Kate Lawrence and Sarah Grant have qualified for the semifinals of the women’s K1 at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in La Seu D’Urgell, Spain.

Lawrence and Grant produced excellent second runs to progress in the top 20 in the searing Spanish conditions. Lawrence qualified in 12th place in a time of 100.83 seconds, some nine seconds quicker than her initial run, while Grant gained an 18th place ranking with a time of 102.59 seconds.

Rosalyn Lawrence (New South Wales), competing in her first world championships, missed out on the semifinals with a time of 106.96 seconds, but both paddlers were pleased with their progression.

‘I was pretty nervous ahead of the first run and managed to get things under control a bit more for the second run,’ said Grant, who is competing at her second world championships. ‘The semifinals will be a good challenge on Sunday.’

Victorian Brothers Chris and Scott Guinea finished in 31st place in the C2 event at their first world championships. They recorded a best time of 114.25 seconds and will have gained a lot of experience from their first international exposure.

Head Coach Mike Druce said he was pleased that two out of three boats had gone through to the semis in the women’s event.

‘It was always going to be close with a fast course with no major moves and there was not much room for error, the semis and finals will be a different matter,’ Druce said.

‘For the C2 it was always going to be a tough challenge for a young crew and they have definitely benefited from the opportunity and experience.’