"I came here for the title but the accident really depressed me," said Olympic C-1 champion Tony Estanguet of France who broke his paddle in today’s semifinal race at the "Good Luck Beijing" 2007 Canoe/Kayak Slalom Open.

Commenting on the unexpected blow, Tony said: "Actually the No.13 and 14 gates are rather difficult while I chose a route which required me to use my paddle to control my body. It's the first time I ran up against such a situation and my movements led to the accident."

"It usually takes me one month to get familiar with a new course, but this time I only had a short time to adapt myself to the course," recalled Tony, a hot favorite for the men's C-1 title after yesterday's heats.

"I was pretty excited before the tournament and hoped to do a good job here, but now I have to readjust myself, as one has to get himself well prepared before he can achieve anything."

"Anyway, I hope it's the last time I encounter such kind of situation," the double Olympic champion said.