Liam Jegou qualified directly for the semi-finals at the under-23 canoe slalom World Championships in Krakow in Poland. The France-based Irish man competing in the C1 (canoe single) had a fautless first run in 83.55 seconds. He went off seventh last, but shot straight to the top of the rankings, as the fastest qualifier, and was not caught.

Jegou (20), was a silver medallist at the Junior World Championships in 2014. He can prepare for Friday’s semi-finals knowing he goes off last, as he holds the top spot.

Jegou was saved the need for a second run, but Ireland's other competitors, Robert Hendrick and Jake Cochrane missed out in both runs. Hendrick was steady in his second run but was five places off qualification, while Cochrane was not a contender with either run.

Debutants Fionn McNally and Eoin Moorhouse competed in the junior C1 competition.

Canoe Slalom World Championships, Under-23 and Junior (Krakow, Poland,Irish interest; selected results): Men – Under-23 C1 - First Run (20 qualify directly for semi-finals): 1 Ireland (L Jegou) 83.55 seconds; 54 R Hendrick 141.89; 60 J Cochrane 200.64. Second Run (10 qualify): 15 Hendrick 94.87; 27 Cochrane 100.74. Junior C1 - First Run (20 qualify): 41 Ireland (E Moorhouse) 120.92; 49 F McNally 164.94. Second Run: 20 McNally 113.71; 34 Moorhouse 162.06.