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Sanya E-Prix runner up Oliver Rowland says taking pole for the was "the biggest thing" of his weekend due to the quality of the ABB FIA Formula E field.

Rowland finished second behind race-winner Jean-Eric Vergne after taking his first FE career pole.

He led the first 19 laps before Vergne passed him at the final corner in what became the race-deciding moment, and then had to defend against a large pack behind to secure his first FE podium.

Rowland picked out taking pole as his most satisfying achievement in Sanya when asked how securing an FE podium ranked in his career.

"For sure it's up there," he told Autosport.

"[But] to be pole, with 22 drivers at this level is a big thing.

"I think the pole is probably the biggest thing because you have to really be the best for one lap and you don't really get much opportunity.

"Maybe in a couple of days time I'll reflect a bit more and see it as a real positive. I'm just a little bit disappointed I couldn't optimise my performance and stay in front."

Rowland looked to have Vergne's attacks covered as Saturday's race entered its second half, but the reigning champion got by with a late dive at the final corner.

"I'm one side happy and I'm one side a little bit disappointed as well," he said of finishing second. "I had a good opportunity.

"Me and JEV did a good job. He surprised me. I knew he was going to surprise me at some point. But I was struggling a lot.

"I had to lift very early [to save energy]. But yeah of course I'm very happy with the podium.

"It's been a while coming. I lost one in Mexico [to an energy management software miscalculation] and again I was leading in Hong Kong [early-on].

"It's been a pretty tough three races with three DNFs. It's nice to score points and consolidate my position."

Both Vergne and third place finisher Antonio Felix da Costa suggested Rowland was on the limit in his defending at Sanya, a sentiment the Nissan driver accepted.

"I was struggling a lot, and I knew when you start to drop back in a Formula E race, each person thinks you are slowest," he said.

"So they will use their energy to overtake. I couldn't afford to drop too far back. And yeah I was on the limit [in defending].

"[But] I think within the rules but on the limit. I had to be aggressive."