Olympic rower Cris Nievarez and Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Joanie Delgaco advanced to the single sculls semifinal of the 19th Asian Games rowing tournament at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre in Hangzhou, China.

Nievarez, a 2-19 SEA Games gold medalist, moved onto the next phase after clocking seven minutes and 20.51 seconds to get third place in Heat No. 3 on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old rower from Atimonan, Quezon will go at it again on Friday the same day Delgaco will try her luck.

Delgaco clocked in 8:07.60 minutes to take second place in Heat No. 1.

The Philippines is aiming for its first Asian Games medal in 21 years.

Last time the Philippines medaled in the Asian Games was in Busan in 2002 when Alvin Amposta and Nestor Cordova snagged a bronze medal in the lightweight men's double sculls.

Earlier, Edgar Ilas and Zuriel Sumintac were relegated to the repechage after submitting a time of 6:48.82 minutes in the lightweight men's double sculls.

Feiza Lenton and Tammy Sha also fell short in the lightweight women's double sculls after getting a time of 7:32.49 minutes.