Top-ranked Florence misses out on canoe final

Top-ranked David Florence has failed to qualify for the canoe slalom final at the Olympics.

Top-ranked David Florence has failed to qualify for the canoe slalom final at the Olympics.

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The British home favorite had four penalties for touching gate poles in his semifinal run Tuesday for a time of 106.16 seconds - way off leader Sideris Tasiadis' 98.94 seconds.

Florence had a big hit at gate 18 of 23, drawing a loud groan from the home fans at Lee Valley White Water Centre just north of London.

Germany's Tasiadis punched the air after his perfect run to qualify first for the eight-man final later Tuesday.

Slovenia's Benjamin Savsek was second fastest in 99.92 seconds, with double Olympic gold medalist Tony Estanguet third with 101.67.

Defending champion Michal Martikan of Slovakia also qualified despite a disappointing 104.04.