Dawson progresses to semifinals

Kiwi Mike Dawson has progressed to the semifinals of the canoe slalom at the Rio Olympics.

The 29-year-old qualified eighth for the 15-paddler semifinals with a best heat time of 88.91 seconds.

Italian Giovanni De Gennaro was the fastest qualifier in 86.85 seconds, while Australian medal hop Lucien Defour crashed out, finishing 17th overall.