Pingtan's kitesurfing ace Chen Jingyue claimed third place in the women's competition of the 2013 KIA/PKRA Freestyle Junior world championship in Spain on July 7.

It was the first time that Chen, 12-year-old, the only player from Asia, competed in Europe, and her result is the best that any Chinese participant has achieved in a top-tier world kitesurfing event.

"It is a new experience for both players and coaches to come to Europe. She (Chen) was not yet in her best shape due to factors such as the long flight, jetlag, and adapting to different food but it is also a learning experience for her," said Di Dahui, president of the Pingtan Kiteboarding Association.

More than 50 top athletes from across the world competed in the world championship, which lasted from July 2 to 7, and was hosted by the International Kiteboarding Association and the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman