21.   French pair Michel Andrieux and Jean-Christophe Rolland, also quicker than the British duo, followed the Australian boat by a length.

22.   He would not identify the injured French pair.

23.   In the decisive mixed doubles, the French pair combined well to win the opening set comfortably.

24.   Another French pair, Bruno Saby and Dominique Serieys, place third in another Mitsubishi.

25.   But Alexander Zhulin of Russia, a former Olympic silver medallist and now a coach, believes that the French pair could become the scapegoats of the scandal.

26.   The spokesman could not identify the injured French pair.

27.   They lead French pair Frederic Cupillard and Fabrice Tarnaud by two shots.

28.   Third were French pair Sarah Abitbol and Stephane Bernadis.

29.   The victory, ahead of French pair Sophie Moniotte and Pascal Lavanchy, earned their country its first gold medal in any category in the history of the championships.

30.   Third were French pair Sarah Abitbol and Stephane Bernadis, who came from fifth place after the short programme to steal their own unexpected share of the limelight.