Li Zhuo survives scare to lift gold
World record holder Li Zhuo of China
survived a bout of stage fright to capture the first women's
gold medal in the Asian Games weightlifting on MOnday.
The fresh-faced 21-year-old student from Liaoning was
taking part in her first major competition and the jitters
nearly cost her victory in the 48-kg division.
Li, the joint number one with compatriot Wang Mingjuan,
left the door ajar for a shock win by Kay Thi Win of Myanmar
when she failed at her first attempt at 110 kg in the clean
and jerk but she roared back to clinch the title at the
second attempt.
"I was not feeling all that well going into the clean and
jerk section," said Li, who gave a little yelp before every
lift. "I missed the first lift but managed at the second
attempt.
"I do not think a lot about what the other competitors
are doing - I think I am the best."
Li edged Kay Thi Win of Myanmar for the gold by virtue of
being 0.25kg lighter. Both competitors had identical totals of
200kg (90kg and 110kg) after a thrilling exhibition of
powerful lifting by the lightest women in the event.
Indonesia's Lisa Raema Rumbewas, the silver medallist at
the 2000 Sydney Olympics, took the bronze medal on 195kg (85kg
and 110kg).
India's Namerakapam K Devi could only finish seventh.
Li and Kay Thi Win both equalled the snatch record of
90kg, set by Wang in June, and Li's overall mark of 200kg.