DOHA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Favorites China on Sunday survived the test in strong winds and surging waves on the first day of rowing competition of the Doha Asian Games.

    "The wind speed is 13 meters per second," said newly crowned world champion Xu Dongxiang of China. "We have to keep our pace steady and then strive for the top finish."

    Xu finished first in 4 minutes 48.80 seconds in women's lightweight single sculls heats and took a direct berth in the final, a far better result than the rest rowers.

    In 2006's second world cup in Boznan, Poland, Xu, paired with Yan Shimin, won the gold medal of women's lightweight double sculls in 6 minutes and 49.77 seconds, brushing the former world best result. Later in 2006 world champs in Eton, Britain, they lifted the title in the same discipline.

    "This is the strongest wind that we have met since we arrived in Nov. 29. We have to make some adjustments on the boat and sculls."

    Chinese rowers dominated the Asian Games since they joined as they swept all the gold medals in 1982, 1990 and 1998 editions, and in 2002, only one gold medal brushed aside.

    Chinese rowers originally came not for challenge but for better results. "We can not fulfill the aim in such strong winds and choppy waves." Xu added.

    Qatar, a country in desert, is scarce of water and has to build competition courses by use of sea water. The rowing events have to be cut down from 13 to 10 due to this.

    "We have never competed in sea water," said Chen Zheng, top finisher in men's single sculls heats. "We have usually eight lanes but now there are only four."

    On Sunday, China won all their heats withstanding charges from DPR Korea in women's lightweight double sculls and from South Korea in men's double sculls.