Sculling Championship

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1921, Page 4

Sculling Championship

SATURDAY’S RACE DISCUSSED

BLENHEIM, June 1

Arnst considers that it is too early to express an opinion regarding his chance of beating Hannan for Qie world’s sculling championship on the Wairau on June 11. Arnst looks much thinner than, he used to look in his palmy days in Christchurch. There appears to be some support for the theory that the Australian climate has not improved him, for he says he lias never felt better in his life than since his return to the Dominion. Arnst is staying in Blenheim and cycling twice a day to the Wairau river, five miles distant, where he rows the full course of three miles. He places great reliance in the value of cycling, and is getting down to racing weight. To-day he is about 13st 1011) stripped, but he hopes to race at 13st 71b. He has taken off j 27 pounds since his arrival. He will finish hard training next Wednesday, leaving the last three days for steady rowing and sprints. Arnst’b work on the river lias been harshly criticised. Probably be shoots bis slide a bit, but it is questionable whether Hannan is a much more finished sculler. Hannan is distinctly favourite, but lie is a lighter man, and it will require stamina to row the full threemile course against the current.

Arnst is by no means confident but n lot depends on his winning the race. His sculls are an inch wider than Hannan’s and both boats are about tbe same weight. Hannan will have to row a faster stroke to keep abreast. Artist’s boat is of the same dimensions as he always used.

Taking an unbiased view of the probabilities Artist’s chances appear good. It may be a very tine race. The race will he started by mutual consent, about 2.30 p.m., an hour and a half after high tide, when the tide should he running strongly against the oarsmen and in favour of the heavier man. If a south-wester is blowing. The present wind, hut the water will probably be smooth unless a strong south-easter or south-wtster is blowing. The present conditions of the match are £250 a side, with the right to increase the stake to £SOO if desired. Whoever wins the race will meet Hndfield in New Zealand waters. If Arnst wins lie will probably choose the Wanganui, if sufficient inducements are forthcoming, but he likes the Wairau which, he says, is smoother water than the Parramatta.

WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP.

BLENHEIM, June G

In training for Saturday’s race for the world’s sculling championship during the week-end both scullers worked as usual. Hannan contented himself with long easy rows and with short dashes. Arnst’s work was more solid. On Friday he rowed two miles at a fast bat. The weather has been extremely favourable for training.