Florence and Hounslow fastest qualifiers for final (From Your Local Guardian)

Loughton pair David Florence and Richard Hounslow qualify fastest for London 2012 Canoe Slalom Olympic final

2:32pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Sport

Loughton duo David Florence and Richard Hounslow have qualified as the fastest pair for this afternoon’s Canoe Slalom C2 final.

The pair negotiated the course at Lee Valley without picking up any penalties, putting them in first place after the first four crews.

But not even the three-time Olympic champions from Slovakia, Pavol and Peter Hochschorner, could better the British boat’s time, ensuring they will be in confident mood ahead of this afternoon’s final.

The top six have reached the final, which starts at 3.18pm, but it was not just Florence and Harrow-born Hounslow celebrating.

Finishing sixth and taking the last place for the showdown was the second British pair of Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott who will also be looking for a place on the podium.