Welsh Para-rower Ben Pritchard has defended his European PR1 men’s single sculls title despite sustaining an injury in a hoist malfunction shortly before the competition. The victory strengthens his confidence ahead of the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam later this month, where he hopes to retain his world crown.

The 34-year-old from Mumbles beat Italy’s Giacomo Perini in Varese after a close race decided in the final 250 metres. Pritchard, Paralympic champion in 2024 and world and European champion in 2025, is preparing in Varese with Great Britain before the championships at Amsterdam’s Bosbaan from 24 to 30 August; he expects strong competition from Australia’s Erik Horrie.