Great Britain's rowers booked their first place at the 2008 Olympics after the women's quadruple scull reached the World Championships final in Munich.

The defending world champs - in a new combination - held off Germany to win their heat and were two seconds faster than rivals China, who raced earlier.

"We're proud of our achievement and that takes the pressure off," said crew member Debbie Flood.

However, both the men's and women's eights failed in their heats.

They will both now have to win repechage races on Wednesday if they are to reach the final and guarantee a spot in Beijing.

The men's lightweight double and four both won their heats, though, and now have quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Earlier, the British lightweight women's quadruple scull became the first crew to book a place in the finals.

Meanwhile, Tom Aggar made a big impression on his debut in the Paralympic boat classes, winning his heat in the arms-only single scull by 18 seconds.