Aug. 24, 2006

ETON, England (AP) -After racing to a dead heat in Thursday's semifinal, the U.S. men's four rowing team defeated New Zealand in a head-to-head rematch.

Americans Matthew Schnobrich, Mike Blomquist, Joshua Inman and Brett Newlin recovered from a rough start in the re-row to win by 1.57 seconds, advancing to Saturday's final at the world rowing championships. The two teams tied for third place (5:51.24) in a semifinal, prompting the rematch that decided which team would make the final field.

Americans Michelle Guerette (single sculls) and Lisa Schlenker (lightweight single sculls) also qualified for finals.

In men's single sculls, Mahe Drysdale stayed on course to defend his title. Saturday, he will face Olympic winner Olaf Tufte of Norway and former champion Marcel Hacker of Germany in that final.

Drysdale was the fastest qualifier over two semifinals on Dorney Lake at Eton, west of London, which will host the 2012 Olympic rowing events. The New Zealander finished in 6 minutes, 42.58 seconds.