Takaku, who lost out to team-mate Yoshiko Suematsu in the final of the first World Cup competition at the same Spanish venue earlier this week, recorded a total of 696.67 points to finish in pole position.

The Japanese athlete was streets ahead of the rest of the field as French competitor Marlene Devillez was second on 370 points.

Poland's Zufia Tula, Islay Crosbie of Britain and Paula Varonen of Finland were the other qualifiers for tomorrow's final.

Poland's Tomasz Czaplicki was the standout performer in the men's K1 quarter-finals as he scored a total of 1,700 points.

American Dane Jackson, the three-time world champion hoping to bounce back from his disappointing defeat in Sort earlier this week, qualified in second place on 1683.33 points.

Joaquim Fontane ensured home interest continued as he booked his semi-final place by finishing third with 1563.33.

Sebastian Devred of France and Britain's Gavin Barker were among the other qualifiers.

The top 10 paddlers progressed to the semi-finals, due to be held tomorrow.