In the first-day competition of the "Good Luck Beijing" Canoe/Kayak Flatwater Open, Finnish kayakist Anne Rikala placed third in the women's K-1 500m heats to advance to the finals.

As runner-up of this event at the 2007 World Cup, Anne Rikala thought it was important to have this test event, which could help athletes get familiar with the venue and prepare for the coming Olympic Games.

"This is one of the best venues in the world, perhaps it is the best one." she added.