THE WORLD'S SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

West Coast Times, 23 June 1909, Page 3

THE WORLD'S SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

ARNST WINS BY THREE LENGTHS MAGNIFICENT STRUGGLE. BOTH MEN ACCORDED A GREAI OVATION. BEST OF FRIENDS. [b* telegraph— per press association.] WANGANUI, June 22.— The race fo 1 - the sculling championship of the world was decided to-day in beautiful weather. Both men appeared to be in the best of condition. Webb won the toss and chose the Kaiwhake side. Both got away well Webb doing 37 strokes to the minute and Arnst 35.. Webb had a slight advantage 'in the first quarter of a mile and rowed in fine clean style. Arnst's superior weight appeared to tell in his favour and at the mile he closed up on Webb and gradually outdistanced "the challenger. Webb appeared to be tiring and at tha two mile post the champion was still gaining having two lengths to the good but Webb made strenuous efforts and soon decreased the, gap, his spurt lasting for fully quarter of a mile Arnst kept rowing in determined style and three-quarters of a mile from home a magnificent struggle ' took place. , Webb made his final effort and gained at every stroke but Arnst straining every nerve maintained the lead and shot past the winning post three lengths ahead of the challenger. Both men Were thoroughly exhausted and received a great ovation. The time was 18 minutes 15 seconds. Interviewed after the race i^rnst considered that Webb rowed the race of his life. The chalbnger had the best of the start and kept him rowing «H the way He was satisfied that Webb was a great sculler. Arnst was doubtful about the race as he had not been too well lately. He was extremely pleased with the receQtion. He could say nothing definite as to his movements until he had seen his backers. Webb said it was a hard race an'l he had done his best and was confi'l ent that he was not good enough to beat Arnst and had trained hard. He had the best of attention and felt weil all through the race except at the mile when he began to feel a weakness in his leg-which afterwards passed away. He did not give up hope but could not get un to Arnst at the finish. Arnstan d he went to the mark good friends and they were friends still. He would have two months spell berx-e he would row again. It is estimated that a crowd of between 6000 and 8000 witnessed the race.