Stjepan Janic of Croatia competes in the semifinal 3 of the men's kayak single (K1) 500m at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Stjepan Janic ranked first in the semifinal 3 and was qualified for the final.

"So hard for me. I tried to be in the first three. My start is the best because in the heat I missed a good start. So I concentrate on the start this time. First good start, after I can do everything," the 25-year-old Hungarian said.

"After 250 meters, I looked around and I knew I am in the first three. When I came to the finish line, I know I am in the final," he added.

He also talked about his expectations for the race.

"If I can do the same like today, I can catch a medal. A medal is a good present for me. Everything is possible."

China reaped a surprise win in women's kayak single (K1) 500m. Zhong Hongyan was the heroine.

Zhong Hongyan of China competes in the kayak single (K1) 500m women semifinal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Zhong Hongyan was qualified for final match.(Xinhua/Jiang Enyu) Photo Gallery>>>

She lagged behind in the start, but she paddled hard and reached the second place at the 250m point. In the latter part, she went faster and faster until she hit the finish line and won the race with a result of one minute and 53.163 seconds.

On her surprise win, she said: "I paddled with my own rhythm in spite of the unfavorable wind. My arch rivals in the final will be Hungary, Germany and Italy. They are so strong. But I will try to surpass them. It's quite difficult to catch a medal, but I will try. I am now in good form," she said.

Thursday also saw semifinals in men's kayak double (K2) 500m, men's canoe double (C2) 500m and women's kayak double 500m. European countries like Hungary, Poland, Romania and Denmark are strong and qualified for the final. Japan won the semifinal in women's kayak double.

In the next two days, canoe/kayak flatwater events will come to the finals. A total of 12 gold medals will be at stake. Germany and Hungary are still considered the most powerful countries in the flatwater events. But paddlers from other countries will surely spare no effort to win.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)