Host China, Russia, the Philippines and Japan carved up four
gold medals in the second day of 9th world wushu championships on
Tuesday.
The first gold of the day came from the women's Changquan (long
fist) field. Daria Tarasova, the bronze medalist of the women's
Gunshu (stick play) one day earlier, claimed Russia the first title
in 9.50 points .
Russia's Daria Tarasova competes during
the final of the women's Changquan competition at the "Good Luck,
Beijing" 9th World Wushu Championships in Beijing, capital of
China, Nov. 13, 2007.
"I love Wushu and I am quite confident as our national team is
becoming stronger and stronger," said the beaming 19-year-old
Russian.
Xi Chengqing from China's Macao took the silver in 9.42 and Weng
Xiaoling of China's Hong Kong finished third with 9.40 points.
In another field, Yoshihiro Shimoda of Japan survived the
breathtaking competition to take the men's Taijijian (shadow sword)
with a score of 9.50 points, bettering the runner-up Lee Jae-Hyung
of South Korea by 0.01 points.
While Hei Zhihong from China's Hong Kong took the bronze in
9.47.
Japan's Yoshihiro Shimoda
competes during the men's Taijijian competition.
"It's incredible that I won the gold," said the pleasantly
surprised Japanese, adding that he will prepare for next event
seriously.
"I'll forget about today's achievement and go all out for
tomorrow's Taijiquan (shadowboxing)."
In other two events of taolu (routines) the night, China's Cui
Wenjuan grabbed the women's Taijijian with 9.80 points, followed by
Fan Manyun from Chinese Taipei in 9.56 and Japan's Miyaoka Ai in
9.57.
The last gold of the day went to Willy R.Wang of the Philippines
in 9.57. The silver and bronze medals were notched by Heriyanto
from Indonesia and Japan's Matsuura Arata.
On medals table, China remained atop with 6 golds. China's Hong
Kong stood second with 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronzes, followed by
Russia with 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze each and Japan with 1
gold and 2 bronzes.
Wushu, also known as Kungfu or martial arts, is now an
increasingly popular sport around the world.
The 9th championship has attracted nearly 1000 athletes from 89
countries and regions, the most ever in the tournament.
(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2007)
