Ominous signs for Mahe Drysdale

The two time Olympic champion has finished three seconds behind Robbie Manson in the final of the men's single sculls at the national Championships in Twizel today.

The pair are duelling for the seat at this year's World Championships, with Manson winning the honour last year where he finished a disappointing fifth.

Manson says his technique abandoned him Bulgaria, so he's pacing himself better this season.

He syas he has to get the timing right this year and hold his technique right through.