BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Rowing competitions at the Beijing Olympic Games kicked off Saturday afternoon in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.

    The women's single sculls (W1x) was the first event in the competitions. Chinese rower Zhang Xiuyun was in the first heat. Other rowers in the same heat included Maria Cabriela (Argentina), Julia Michalska (Pland), Sophie Balmary (France) and Soraya Jadue (Chile).

    The rowing competitions, lasting from August 9 to 17, include contests in 14 boat classes. The finals will be held from August 16to 17. Over 500 athletes from 60 nations and regions will participate in the rowing competitions.

    Zhang finished the event with a result of 7:38.16, followed by the Polish rower with a result of 7:41.16 and the French athlete with a result of 7:47.37.

    The world best time for the event was made by Bulgarian rower Rumyana Neykova in Seville of Spain in 2002 with a result of 7:07.71.