Olena Buryak successfully defended her women's 500 metre title at the World Rowing Indoor Championships ©Facebook

Olena Buryak successfully defended her women's 500 metres title at the World Rowing Indoor Championships in Paris.

The Ukrainian recorded the winning time of 1min 27.5sec to retain her title at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium.

She beat home favourite Lucie Giraud in 1:32.9 and Rhian Rudkin of Britain in 1:34.5. 

There was more success for Britain in the women's lightweight 500m, with Jilly Tovey emerging victorious in 1:39.3.

Compatriot Laura Barrigan was second in 1:40.4, followed by Selma Dhaouadi of France in 1:43.3. 

World record holder Phil Clapp then earned a second gold medal for Britain in the men's 500m, triumphing in 1:12.3.

Finland's Joel Naukkarinen was second in 1:14.8, while Vincent Matz of France was third in 1:15.0. 

Competition is due to continue in Paris tomorrow.