Italy's ninth round of Chinese proficiency competition, a large-scale global race for foreign college students organized by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, was held in Venice Thursday.

Italy's ninth round of Chinese proficiency competition, a large-scale global race for foreign college students organized by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, was held in Venice Thursday. In the picture an Italian student is singing whiling drawing in the competition.

A total number of 17 students from Italy's top universities' Chinese departments took part in the "Chinese Bridge" competition, that was attended by directors from Italy's nine Confucius Institutes, university professors and media.

Michela Mascitti, a student of La Sapienza university in Rome, was the winner of the competition, which is aimed at promoting interest in Chinese culture and language, and consists in a self- presentation, a few questions on Chinese culture and a talent performance.

Introducing herself, Michela said that her love for China was originated by a casual meeting with Chinese culture. "I was doing jogging when I saw the advertisement of a conference that lighted my passion for China and its traditions," she recalled impressing the audience with her language accomplishments and joyful singing performance.

"I feel so happy, I can't believe it yet because I didn't expect at all," a visibly moved Michela told Xinhua soon after the announcement of her victory, among other contestants' applauses.

"Today it was a memorable day. I met so many new friends here, we are going to have dinner together and share our happiness," she said, adding that she dreams of becoming a Chinese teacher to help more people to better understand China.

"We are all very happy for her success, since we didn't come here to compete but to authentically celebrate friendship, which is Chinese Bridge's main purpose," another student of Venice's Ca' Foscari university, Angela D'Antonio, told Xinhua. "I think that Michela fully deserved to win."

Launched in 2002, "Chinese Bridge" attracted some 50,000 students from over 59 countries around the world, giving the opportunity to win a memorable trip to China and other amazing prizes.

"I was impressed by all students' excellent performances and growing interest in Italy for Chinese culture and language. Italians need to know more about China, so do Chinese about Italy, " councilor of Chinese embassy in Rome, Yang Changchun, said adding that it was very difficult for the jury to chose the winner.

According to "Chinese Bridge" competition rules, the winner will take part in Beijing final competition, while the second and third classified will assist it.

"They will represent foreign students'strong dedication in studying Chinese culture, and they might be next number ones," Yang said congratulating all professors and organizers.