Five of the seven British crews in action on the opening day of the World Rowing Championships reached the semi-finals of their events. The men's four of Steve Williams, Alex Partridge, Peter Reed and Andy Hodge won their heat by over two lengths.
Annie Vernon, in the open single scull, and the men's pair of Tom Broadway and Phil Simmons, also progressed in Japan.
"I'm happy with what we've done," said GB team manager David Tanner. "Overall our crews are in pretty good shape."
Elise Laverick and Debbie Flood in the women's double were beaten to the one qualifying spot by current overall world cup winners Bulgaria, while Colin Smith finished third in the open weight men's single.
Both crews face repechage races on Thursday.
Tanner added: "The single sculls did performed strongly, particularly Zac Purchase who, as a youngster, came through.
"The men's four were impressive but their true opposition was in the other heats and we will have to see how the next round goes."
Britain have a further nine crews in Tuesday's heats.
MMIX
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