Prskavec has posted the second fastest time in the semi-finals, but the Czech kayaker significantly upped his speed during his final run on the course.

The reigning world champion receivedg a two second penalty for touching the ninth gate but was able to set a time of 1min 31.60sec at the close of his run.

His team-mate Ondrej Tunka narrowly missed out on usurping Prskavec, finishing just 0.01 seconds off the pace, having achieved a clean run.

It would prove enough for a second place finish, with Vavrinec Hradilek and fastest qualifier Vit Prindis finishing in 1:31.77 and 1:32.29 respectively to complete an all Czech top four.

Slovakia’s Matej Benus triumphed in the men’s C1 competition after he produced a clear run to set a time of 1:38.91.

The Rio 2016 silver medallist ended 0.25 seconds ahead of Britain’s Ryan Westley, who had topped the standings for much of the final.

Slovakia’s Benjamin Savsek secured a podium finish by clocking 1:40.74, but was left to rue receiving four penalty seconds during his run.

Jessica Fox proved a class above the field in the women’s C1 event as the Australian finished over six seconds clear of her nearest challenger.

The world champion finished in a winning time of 1:53.59 in the event, with the Czech Republic’s Katerina Hoskova the runner-up in 2:00.52.

Britain’s Mallory Franklin completed the podium in 2:00.74, with her British team-mate Kimberly Woods ending a further 1.21 seconds behind in fourth.

Fox will targeted further success tomorrow when she competes in the women’s K1 event, while the men’s C2 competition is also set to be contested.