World champion Xu Lijia has been aiming for an Olympic gold on home soil in 2008.

The 19-year-old revealed the ambition at a press conference in Qingdao on Saturday during the International Regatta to run from August 18 to 31.

On August 5, Xu made the breakthrough by wi nning a women's laser radial world title, which was the very first for Chinese sail boat sport since it was launched 26 years ago.

Xu said that in the next two years she would spare no efforts in honing her basic skills and try to participate in more international regattas.

"Our home advantage will bestow a rare opportunity upon us. I trust myself and my teammates."

The best Olympic sailing result achieved by the Chinese team is a silver medal, which came from Yin Jian in the women's mistral class in the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Source: Xinhua