ZAC PURCHASE got a royal seal of approval after reaching the world rowing finals in the shadow of Windsor Castle.

Princess Anne followed his lightweight singles race in a car along the Eton Dorney Lake course and spent 20 minutes talking to the Worcester sculler after the 20-year-old recorded the fastest semi-final time.

"She seemed interested in how I went and wished me luck in the final, which was good," said Purchase, who will start tomorrow's six-boat final as favourite after winning his two qualifying races in commanding style.

"It's great to know that I'm on the pace setting the fastest times and that gives me great confidence. But the final's another race and I'm going to have to race exceptionally hard and well to win gold," added the former King's Worcester student, after an-other class performance in difficult rough water conditions.

"The Greek guy was quick out and led me by a few feet through 500m, but I had a nice long, powerful cruising rhy-thm and was level at 750m before pulling away in the second half for a good victory.

"I'm going to go away, take on plenty of carbohydrates and fluids and relax listening to some music, watching TV and getting plenty of sleep."

Meanwhile, Worcester Row-ing Club's Matt Beechey will try and match Purchase today by qualifying for the final in the GB lightweight four.