By PA Sporting Life Staff

Ed Coode and Greg Searle, Britain's coxless pairs duo, secured their place in the final after finishing second in their semi-final to France.

The British pair led from the start, showing the power and style which made Searle a gold medallist in Barcelona.

And while they were caught on the line by a late surge from France they showed the sort of form which suggests they will be serious medal contenders in the final on Saturday.

The French crew covered the 2000m course in 6:30.96 with the Brits a fraction behind in 6:31.08 in a photo finish which thrilled a huge crowd. South Africa took the other qualifying place.

However, Alison Mowbray's medal hopes were dashed. She finished sixth in the women's single sculls 2000m semi-final in 7:52.28 and goes into the B final.

Matthew Wells was fifth in his men's single sculls 2000m semi-final and also goes into the B final. He clocked 7:09.68.