Korean rowers take bronze in women's pair

Bronze medalist Kim Ha-yeong and Lee Soo-bin of Korea pose during the medal ceremony for the women's pair rowing event during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on Monday. [AFP/YONHAP]

Rowers Kim Ha-yeong and Lee Soo-bin claimed Korea’s first medal of the day on Monday, taking bronze in the women’s pair at FY Water Sports Centre at the Asian Games in Hanzhou, China.

The Korean pair got off to a strong start, pulling into second behind China over the initial 500 meters and holding that position as they rounded 1,000 meters.

They had fallen back into third by the 1,500-meter mark, holding that position over the final stretch as Hong Kong took second.

Kim and Lee finished the race with a total time of 7 minutes and 51.54 seconds, 19.32 seconds behind China.

The duo were the only Koreans to medal on the water on Monday. The men’s four team of Myeong Su-seong, Kim Hyun-tae, Jeong Yong-jun and Kim Hwi-gwan also reached their final but finished in sixth place, well behind winners Uzbekistan.

Monday’s rowing medal kicks off another busy day for Korea with possible medal contenders in taekwondo, judo, shooting, swimming and skateboarding.

Korea got off to a fast start at the Asian Games on Sunday, winning five gold, four silver and five bronze medals to take second place on the overall medal table behind China.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]