New Zealand's top rowers nodded for the air quality in Beijing, saying that it is quite good and will not have any influence on their performance at the Beijing Olympics in the next few days.

In a press conference held in the Main Press Center on Tuesday morning, Rob Waddell, who claimed the men's single sculls title in the Sydney Olympics and will go for men's double sculls this time, said: "I haven't noticed anything negative. Most of the time we're out at the course and there has't been a problem at all."

This was echoed by Mahe Drysdale, who has won three World Championships and three World Cup contests over the past couple of years.

"It's pretty good. I was here last September and the smog was bad then so they've done a good job," he said.

On their preparations for the Beijing Games, both Olympians said that they are busy preparing for the Games.

"I'm just going through the same processes as I always do. I had my best day training yesterday for a while," Mahe said.

"I'm just making myself as good as I can be and if I can perform at my best, I reckon I'll be hard to beat," he added.

On the gold target at the Games, team leader Andrew Matheson said that there have been high expectations, falling short of saying any specific number.

"We are a very experienced team. The athletes are harder on themselves than form anywhere else," the official said.

He admitted the Beijing Olympics will be tough.

"It's a tough game. The critical thing now is not to look at tables. They will take care of themselves. We just have to concentrate on what we have to do," he said.

New Zealand sent a total of 17 rowers to the Beijing Olympics. The country has won altogether 33 Olympic gold medals, including five in rowing.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)