Chinese canoeists advanced into the next stage of the canoe/kayak flatwater at the Athens Olympic Games Monday morning.

In women's K1 500m, Chinese girls Xu Linbei, Zhong Hongyan, He Jing and Gao Yi finished third in the their heat for a spot in the final.

Zhong, expecting to make history for China canoe, said, "We didn't give it all in the heats. I'm happy for the berth in the final."

Defending champions Germany finished first in heat one in a time of one minute 31.606 seconds. Hungary, Sydney silver medallists came out second. Poland won the next heat, with Ukraine second and Spain third. All the above teams went to the final.

Hot favored Meng Guanliang and Yang Wenjun, who became the first Chinese male world champions in canoe, came out fifth in their heat of men's C2 1000m, which ensured a place in the top four.

Reigning world champions in the event, Romania managed to come first in their heat, 0.016 seconds ahead of Cuba, who was followed by Poland, current 500m world champions.

Heats of four other disciplines were also held Monday morning. Germany dominated the races by winning five direct berths to the final.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2004)