Mahe Drysdale and Emma Twigg crusie into rowing finals

In scenes reminiscent of the Evers-Swindell sisters eight years ago, Mahe Drysdale has won rowing gold in a photo finish.

Martin enjoyed a promising early start, hitting the first 1,000 metres ahead of world champion Synek and defending Olympic champion Drysdale.

Mahe Drysdale has delivered victory in the closest final in Olympic history and given Rowing New Zealand’s medal haul a welcome boost on the sport’s final day of competition.

Germany clinched its third Olympic shooting title in as many days Saturday as police officer Christian Reitz won the gold medal in the 25meter rapid fire pistol event.

“I’m happy I was on the right side of it but it could have gone either way”.

Leading for the remaining 400m, Croatian Martin Damir snuck up on him but it wasn’t enough to take Drysdale’s crown.

“Fantastic, I looked at the replay and I probably got him on the surge, because I think he was just in front before the line, and oh that’s terrible”.

“I gave 1000 per cent of myself in that race”.

Drysdale’s gold was the second for the New Zealand team and they finished third in the table behind Britain and Germany. “I am more satisfied with a good race than a silver medal”.

The only surprise in the women’s sculls was the fourth place for New Zealand’s Emma Twigg in what had been seen beforehand as an Antipodean duel.