Hong Kong’s world record holder Thomas Chan faces threat from doubles partner at Asian virtual rowing qualifier
- Hong Kong coach Chris Perry says Chan was beaten by lightweight doubles partner Chiu Hin-chun during trials over the winter months
- Chan holds the world indoor rowing record for four minutes and 30 minutes and is one of the favourites for the Asian virtual qualifier
Hong Kong world record holder Thomas Chan Chi-fung will be among the favourites when the city hosts the Asian qualifier for February’s 2021 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships, though his doubles partner Chiu Hin-chun will pose a strong threat.
In August, the 22-year-old Chan set a world record of 1,321 metres over four minutes in the Concept 2 Indoor Rower with slides for lightweight men’s 19-29 age group, beating Italian rower Gabriel Soares’ mark of 1,287m. A week earlier, he set a record in the same category for 30 minutes of rowing, clocking 8,772 metres.
Chan, who is hoping to compete in the Tokyo Olympics this summer, is unlikely to have it all his own way, said Hong Kong Sports Institute head coach Chris Perry.
“Yes, Chan is obviously very keen to take part,” said Perry. “There is nothing else to do because of the Covid-19 pandemic and this virtual event will give them some competition.
“He will be one of the favourites but his doubles partner Chiu is also very strong. They were rivals to each other on the rowing machines throughout the winter and during a trial Chiu actually beat Chan.”
Chan and Chiu are among the strongest lightweight doubles pairs in Asia, winning gold at the 2019 Asian Championships in South Korea.
