Mahe Drysdale has shown he's going to fight for the New Zealand men's single sculls seat at this year's world rowing championships

The double Olympic champion has set the fastest time of the heats on day one of the world cup regatta in Lucerne.

Drysdale has then finished second in his heat to progress to the semis.

His rival for the seat, world record holder Robbie Manson, has also won his heat in a time eight seconds slower than Drysdale, before setting the fastest time in the quarters to land in the opposite semi-final.

The best performer of the two in Lucerne will represent New Zealand at the worlds in September.

Lightweight single sculler James Lassche , the lightweight men's pair, the men's pair, men's double, women's single sculler Hannah Osborne and the women's double are also through to semi-finals.

The lightweight women's double, world champion women's pair, women's four and women's eight have all advanced to A finals.