Olympic duo's awesome start

Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell romped to victory in their first race at the Henley Royal Regatta.

Veteran opponents Ian Watson and Dave Riches, who was a winner at Henley 16 years ago, were never likely to give them a race and will be happy to say they matched the Olympic gold medallists for at least a handful of strokes.

But clear water between the crews was visible within 200 metres and the winning distance was officially given as 'easily'.

Pinsent is going for his fifth victory in the Silver Goblets, but can expect much sterner tests, especially from the South African pairing of Ramon Di Clemente and Donovan Cech, who finished third at last year's world championships in Lucerne.