Rower Dattu finishes 15th in men’s sculls quarter-finals

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 9 (IANS) Indian rower Dattu Baban Bhokanal failed to enter the medal round, finishing fourth in his men's singles sculls quarter-finals to be placed 15th in the overall standings at the Rio Olympics here on Tuesday.

He started in Lane 5 in the fourth quarter-final and ended the race fourth among six rowers at the Lagoa Stadium.

Four sets quarter-finals were conducted, each with six rowers. The first three rowers of each set of quarters (12 in total) qualified for the semi-final A/B.

The remaining three rowers of each set (12 in total) qualified for the semi-final C/D.

Bhokanal finished the 2000 metre mark with a time of 6.59.89. His C/D semi-final, for determination of the 13th-18th position in the standings, is on Wednesday.

Damir Martin of Croatia took the top spot from Bhokanal's group with a timing of 6.44.44.

Bhokanal began the race well and was placed third at the 500 metre mark.

But then he slid a spot at the 1000 metre mark and was unable to improve his position till the end of the race.

In the overall standings for the A/B semi-final qualification, Damir took the first spot among 24 rowers, followed by New Zealand's Mahe Drysdale (6:46.51) and Belgium's Hannes Obreno (6.48.90).