The opening day of the ICF junior and U23 canoe sprint world championships presented few surprises but some solid performances from potential medal prospects.

The Czech Republic’s Peter Fuksa, fresh from competing at the Tokyo Olympics, set the fastest time in the men’s U23 C1 1000, while reigning European champion Daniela Cociu of Moldova was fastest in the women’s U23 C1 500.

Others to impress in the U23 division included Sweden’s Dennis Kernan in the men’s K1 1000, Hungary’s Alida Gazso in the women’s K1 500, and Poland’s Katarzyna Szperkiewicz in the women’s C1 200.

In junior races Hungarian European champions Sara Fojt (K1 500), Laura Ujfalvi (K1 200) and Agnes Kiss (C1 500) all comfortable progressed to the next round.

16 gold medals will be decided on day two of competition.