Chinese acrobats were awarded the world's top acrobatics prizes at the 32nd Monte Carlo International Acrobatic Competition on Monday.

Two programs from China, Soft Wirewalking and Silk Ribbon Hanging, were accorded the Golden Clown Award and the Silver Clown Award respectively, brining in the tenth Golden Clown Award won by Chinese acrobats since 1981 when China began participating in the event.

Li Wei from China performs during the closing ceremony of the 32nd Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival in Monaco, yesterday. Li won a Golden Clown award for his performance. (photo: Shanghai Daily)

This was also the first time that Chinese acrobats simultaneously won both the gold and silver awards at the Monte Carlo competition.

Li Wei, the 17-year-old performer of Soft Wirewalking, won acclaims from international jurors and audience for excellent performance and unrivaled skills.

The Monte Carlo International Acrobatic Competition, inaugurated in 1974, is considered one of the world's most influential competitions in acrobatics.

This year's competition gave out three Golden Clowns, five Silver Clowns and three Bronze Clowns. Winners of the other two Golden Clown awards were from Italy and Hungary respectively.

The 32nd competition, starting on Jan. 17 in Monte Carlo, attracted a total of 31 programs from different countries across the world. The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, with performances scheduled through Jan. 27.

(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2008)