Florence leaves it late before making a splash

SCOTLAND'S David Florence eased into the Canoe Slalom semi-finals on the first day of Olympic competition at Lee Valley White Water Centre.

The 29-year-old, who took silver in the same C1 discipline in Beijing four years ago, had to pull out an impressive second run to qualify in 92.83seconds and fifth place overall.

Florence, the world No.1, was last to run in the heats, but a poor first attempt put him down in 13th overall with only the top 12 going through.

He started his second and final run knowing he had to produce his best to keep his Olympic dreams alive.

The paddler said: "I'm sure all my family and friends were a little bit worried. I was under pressure after the first run but this really is a pretty special atmosphere."