NOVI SAD, Serbia - A Serbian university on Saturday hosted a national contest to select competitors to take part in the 12th worldwide "Chinese Bridge" competition of international students in proficiency of Chinese language.

The preliminary round of the contest held in Novi Sad University in Northern Serbia gathered participants from Belgrade University, Novi Sad University and Nis University.

Students demonstrated their knowledge in front of professors of Chinese language from both China and Serbia, competing in conversation, expression through artistic skills, knowledge of Chinese culture and civilization.

First place was won by Mila Zekovic from University of Belgrade, runner-up was Milica Jocic from University of Nis and Branislav Sovilj from University of Novi Sad came in third.

The "Chinese Bridge" is an international contest for foreign college students on their mastery of Chinese language. It premiered in 2002 as a plan to introduce Chinese to the outside world.