(Beijing, May 23) In the qualifying round of the women's hammer throw event of the "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 China Athletics Open this morning, Chinese veteran Zhang Wenxin eased into the final as the first-place finisher.

Today, Zhang achieved 66.84m in her first attempt and then withdrew the competition. However, the throw secured her the leading position in the qualifying round. However, what Zhang was concerned about was how to get herself well adapted to this Olympic venue so as to gain good results at the Beijing Olympic Games.

"My primary intention was to get a feel of the field inside the cement ring. I think the field conditions here are good," commented Zhang, bronze medalist at the Osaka World Championships and seventh placer at the Athens Olympic Games. "Since I'm going to compete on home soil I have to learn to withstand the tremendous pressure from those who pin great hopes on me." Aged 22, Zhang has already achieved good results and gained experience from a number of major international tournaments.

Today's competition seemed easy for her, despite the fact of her having had a soar throat and a fever for three days prior to the tournament.

As regards the coming Olympic Games, Zhang said, "My goal is either to make a breakthrough in my results or improve my world rankings."