Despite another loss to Russia's Opalev Maxim, Athens Olympic champion Yang Wenjun of China felt excited rather than frustrated.

After a tie against Maxim in Men's C1 500m in the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Guangzhou Canoe World Cup on Saturday, Yang, winner of Men's C2 500m in Athens, said: "I really wanna beat him but today's wind is favorable for him. Anyway, I have been gradually shortening our gap."

However, world champion Maxim, ignored Yang's words.

"There is no wind at all. It has nothing to do with wind. I knew he wanted to beat me but I had the final say."

In previous world major regattas, Yang never defeated Maxim, including last month's World Championships, in which they took bronze and gold respectively.

Yang's bronze was the best for China in this event.

"My confidence was beefed up after the two competitions," Yang added, "I dare say that my ability in Men's C1 is among the top in the world."

Thanks to plans of the Chinese Canoeing Team, Yang has sharpened his capability in Men's C1 through world class regattas.

Meng Guanliang and Yang Wenjun, who paired to win gold medal in 2004 Games, were then the two leading canoeists in Men's C1 in the Chinese team.

"I hope to win a world champion of Men's C1 someday," Yang said.

Source: Xinhua