Connor Baxter won the men's open sprint category on day one of the ICF SUP World Championships in Gdynia ©ICF

Paddlers from the United States took the titles in the men’s and women’s open sprint categories on the first day of the International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships in Gdynia, Poland.

In the men’s open sprint category Connor Baxter of the US took gold as he triumphed in 44.34 seconds.

Baxter was looking to reclaim the crown he took in 2019 after being beaten by France’s Noic Garioud in Hungary last year.

In the race over 180 metres, Baxter took the early lead and held off a charging Garioud, who took silver in 46.33.

The bronze medal went to Italy’s Claudio Nika in a time of 47.58.

In the women’s open sprint event American April Zilg made it a very happy 35th birthday as she won in 56.49.

April Zilg of the United States won the women's open sprint category on her 35th birthday ©ICF
April Zilg of the United States won the women's open sprint category on her 35th birthday ©ICF

Zilg, who finished third in this event at last year’s World Championship, elevated herself to the gold medal position after winning an exciting duel with France’s Melanie Lafenetre.

Lafenetre took silver in 56.93, with her compatriot Amandine Chazot winning bronze in 57.75.

In the men’s junior race victory went to South Africa’s Cameron Tripney, while the women’s junior title went to Cecilia Pampinella of Italy.

In the masters categories, the women’s 40+ was won by Elisabet Llargues of Spain, with the men’s 40+ crown going to Ukraine’s Artem Avramenko.

The women’s 50+ event was won by Petra Pyffrader of Austria, with victory in the men’s 50+ category going to Germany’s Peter Weidert.

Action is scheduled to continue tomorrow with the long distance races.