Houghton claims silver in Belgrade

Para-rower Andy Houghton claimed a silver medal in the PR1 men’s single sculls in the first World Cup of the season in Belgrade.

While the 36-year-old was unable to repeat his personal best from day one, he finished comfortably in second place behind Ukrainian rival Roman Polianskyi.

It is the fourth time Houghton has finished runner-up to Polianskyi in recent weeks, with the Paralympic champion winning the PR1 men’s single exhibition race on Friday.

Polianskyi also finished ahead of Houghton twice at the Gavirate Para-rowing Regatta in May, with his time of 10:12.04 in the final in Belgrade 18 seconds better than the Brit.

They were followed by Louis Toussaint, of Belgium, in third in a time of 11:21.49 and Hungary’s Zsolt Peto in fourth position.

The silver medal capped off a strong weekend for Houghton, who achieved a new personal best of 9:42.20 on Friday in the PR1 men’s single exhibition race.

Speaking after his medal-winning performance, Houghton said: “That was an OK race. I tried to keep on it. To be honest, Friday felt a little better as I had a personal best.

“We made a few changes to the boat to try to improve, but I don’t think they worked. My ergo scores are good and with some more water time, I will improve.”

Houghton, who achieved four World Cup podiums from 2009-13, returned to rowing last year and finished fourth in the PR1 men’s singles sculls at the 2017 World Rowing Championships in Sarasota-Bradenton.