Chinese Su Hui, in men's single sculls, together with Li Qian and Xu Dongxiang competing in women's lightweight double sculls, made it to the semis in the repechage here on Tuesday.

21-year-old Su Hui, second in his repechage and 4th overall, laid himself out to secure a berth in the semis. As the only Chinese sculler in this discipline, Su Hui was dedicated to sharpen his skills as preparations for the Beijing Games four years later.

"I did a good job today and I think I will make more improvement in 2008." Su Hui said, revealing his aim.

19-year-old Li, and Xu, 21, bearing great potentials to win a medal, easily came out the first in their repechage and set their eyes on the finals.

"Our performance is mediocre. Just wait and see what we are gonna do." Li said.

Mexican Martha Garcia, 39, led her repechage in women's single sculls and went to the semis, fulfilling her goal to be among the top 12.

"My goal is very simple, just to be in the top 12. Now I made it." Garcia seemed to have no Olympic gold aspiration as this was only her second Olympics since Barcelona in 1992.

She took up rowing competition 21 years ago and for the next 10years remained at the top until retirement in 1993. In 2003, she returned to rowing and took her chances in Olympics, encouraged by her coach Nikolay Chuprina.

No surprises were produced Tuesday in the rest repechages of men's pair, men's double sculls, men's four, men's lightweight four, men's lightweight double sculls, and men's quad sculls as favorites grabbed the second chance to qualify as British Ian Lawson in men's single sculls felt relieved after a disastrous performance in the heats.

14 disciplines were included in Olympic rowing slated from Aug.15 to 22.
 
(Xinhua News  Agency  August 18, 2004)