Rowing World Cup Regatta: Ireland must be content with just one A finalist today at the World Cup regatta in Milan, Sinead Jennings in the women's lightweight single scull.

The men's lightweight double and lightweight four both finished fifth in their semi-finals yesterday and thus compete in B finals today.

In a tough semi-final, won as expected by World Champions Denmark, the Irish four held third place at 500 metres but faded, while the double also showed well early on.

In the D final of the men's single scull, Sean Jacob had a good win, prompting Thor Nilsen, who is in charge of the Irish team, to suggest that if Jacob had competed as well on Thursday he might have made the B final.

A number of the key Irish players have not been in action in Milan and, as Nilsen pointed out, the lightweight four and double which did take part are young and gaining experience at the highest level.

The decision to opt for Olympic-class boats was always liable to yield a less impressive medal haul in the World Cups this year, but Nilsen said he was happy with the progress so far. The aim is to create crews which will qualify boats for the Olympics at this year's World Championships in Milan in August.

Jennings may find Tunisian Ibtissen Trimech her main rival for honours today, but even if the Irishwoman wins she still has her eye on the prize of an Olympic place in a lightweight double.

WORLD CUP REGATTA, Milan Details (Irish interest): Men, Single Scull - D Final: 1 Ireland (S Jacob) 7:22.69, 2 Slovakia 2 (L Podstupka) 7:24.96, 3 Slovenia 3 (M Prelog) 7:25.02.

Lightweight Four - Semi-Final (first three to A final, rest to B final): 1 Denmark 6:01.19, 2 France 6:01.28, 3 United States 6:01.41, 4 Britain 6:02.92, 5 Ireland (H Griffin, B Young, R Archibald, P Griffin) 6:05.03. 6 Switzerland 6:18.43.

Lighweight Double Scull - Semi-Final (first three to A final, rest to B final): 1 Hungary 6:18.48, 2 Denmark 6:19.12, 3 Russia 6:19.12, 4 Netherlands 6:19.51, 5 Ireland (E Coakley, T Harnedy) 6:26.10, 6 China 6:39.79.