Chinese Hong Kong rower Hiu Fung Law said in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday that he hoped to reach the top 18 in the men's single sculls.

"I hope I can be among the top 18 at the competition. I still leave some room for improvement," he told Xinhua in the mixed zone after the third heat of the event.

"The weather here is hot and humid, just like Hong Kong. The wind was unfavorable, but it was the same for every rower on the lake," he added.

He finished third in the heat with a result of 7:45.96. He said that he was satisfied with his performance and would try his best in later competitions.

Born in Nov. 1983, the Hong Kong rower began rowing in 1998 and entered the Athens Olympics in 2004 and finished the race with a result of 7:10.75, 18th in the rankings.

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)