Athletes from all countries were eligible to compete, with many Europeans already in Australia in order to capitalise upon warmer temperatures in the winter months.

Slovakia's Jana Dukatova claimed a nail-biting K1 women’s K1 title to open proceedings, recording a run of 105.09 to finish just 0.09 seconds ahead of home hope Jessica Fox.

“I made a few mistakes in the final but it was an improvement on my semi-final run, so I am happy to take the win because in the past I think I have never won a gold medal here in Penrith early in the season,” said Dukatova afterwards.

Fox, the 2014 world champion and an Olympic silver medallist London 2012, finished first Australian in a heat yesterday that doubled as the country's second Rio 2016 selection trial.

She has thus effectively sealed her place in the Olympic team, although team-mate Rosalyn Lawrence produced a clean run of 106.54 to finish third in the final.

A second Slovak gold medal was won by Matej Benus in the C1 event in 99.36, 1.05 seconds ahead of Frenchman Nicholas Peschier.

The victory made it two from two for Benus after winning the Australian Open title earlier this month.

Britain's Adam Burgess took home the bronze medal in 100.65.

Further down, Ian Borrows finished 12th and first Oceanic paddler in a semi-final which doubled as a third Australian selection trial.

He duly claimed his spot ahead of 17th placed Robin Jeffery.

German world champions Franz Anton and Jan Benzien concluded proceedings with victory in the men’s C2 final.

They recorded a clean run of 106.55 to finish 2.79 seconds ahead of compatriots Kevin and Kai Mueller.

Pierre Pico and Hugo Biso of France finished third in 110.31, missing out on silver due to a two-second penalty for a gate touch.

The best-placed team from Oceania were Australian brothers Kaspar and Kristian Fiebig, who finished 16th in the semi-final.

Action is due to continue with the men's K1 final tomorrow.