Nepal, May 18 -- Nepal failed to pass the first hurdle in the head-to-head event as the team lost to China during the 18th World Rafting Championships at the Tully River in Queensland on Friday. Nepal were billed as favourite but it was China who not only edge out Nepal in the first round but also stunned defending champions Brazil, Russia and Japan to clinch the event. It was a disappointing showing from Nepal considering that they made it to the semi-finals in the event last year where they lost to eventual champions Brazil.

Nepal had finished fifth place in Sprint on Thursday whereas China had ended up in 13th position. China completed the race in 90.79 seconds while Nepal timed 98.91 seconds. "Our pace slowed down after hitting the r...