The men's C-2 heats 1st run and the women's K-1 heats 1st run of the 2007 Canoe/Kayak Slalom Open began at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park this afternoon.

Caroline Queen of the United States, who finished in 465.47 seconds at the bottom in the women's K-1 heats, said after the race: "The course is rather difficult for me and I've done my very best."

The 15-year-old girl was obviously disappointed at the result. However, she enjoyed the first-class conditions and environment at the venue, which she described as "wonderful." "As a female paddler," she added, "I have to improve my skills as I'm still lagging far behind those top ones. This time the race offered me a very good opportunity to learn from those veteran paddlers with advanced techniques and superb strength."