Czechia’s Gabriela Satkova got the better of Australia’s Jessica Fox in the women’s canoe heats as they look set to battle it out for gold. 

Both paddlers have been going toe-to-toe for the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup titles this season, with Fox winning in Augsburg and Krakow and Satkova triumphing in Prague. 

Fresh from winning the women’s under-23 world title in Liptovsky Mikulas, Satkova notched the quickest time in the heats with 99.44 in the first run. 

“I am very pleased and happy about the run. But I know the semi-finals will be a different course and different day,” said Satkova. 

“I’m going to stay humble and see what happens. 

“It's an absolutely amazing atmosphere. I was surprised to hear so many people cheering.  

“It’s the first time in my life I have heard so many people and it was really electric.  

“I enjoyed it so much and I can’t wait for the semi-final to hear it again.” 

Fox remains the favourite to defend her women’s C1 crown having secured women’s kayak gold on Sunday. 

She placed second with a time of 100.05 to advance to the semi-finals in good spirits and feeling relaxed. 

“When I compare it to Tokyo after the kayak race, the emotions are so different,” said Fox.  

“I feel lighter. 

“There has been a lot of joy, there has been a lot of relief as well.  

“In Tokyo, the pressure was immense at this point in the competition. 

“This time, I can come in feeling better, feeling good and feeling like I can enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy this moment and try and be dangerous for the other girls. 

“There is not less pressure. For me the expectation is to put down my best runs tomorrow.  

“We will see.” 

Andorra’s Monica Doria Vilarrubla ranked third with 101.28, while Slovakia’s Zuzan Pankova clocked 103.27 for fourth. 

Germany’s Elena Lilik and Great Britain’s Mallory Franklin finished fifth and sixth respectively.