China claims first roller sports gold at World Games

CHENGDU -- Zhang Hao secured China's first roller sports gold at the Chengdu World Games, as inline freestyle skating competitions kicked off on Saturday.

In an all-Chinese men's speed slalom final, Zhang beat Fu Yu 2-0 to claim the victory, while Reza Lesani of Iran defeated compatriot Amirmohammad Savari Jamalouei to take the bronze.

"I'm very excited and happy to be able to show my normal performance," said Chengdu local Zhang, adding that he felt nervous competing at home.

Chinese Taipei's Liu Chiao-Hsi clinched gold in the women's speed slalom, while China's Zhu Siyi and Wen Jingjing finished second and third.

"This is the first time I have taken part in an international competition since I turned 18, and I have tried my best," said Zhu, a silver medalist at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, adding that she would continue to work on her power and stability.

In the speed slalom, athletes must accelerate within a 12-meter distance and then sprint around 20 cones, spaced at 80 centimeters apart. A penalty of 0.2 seconds is incurred for knocking down any cone or missing any interval between the cones.

Roller sports at the Chengdu World Games feature three disciplines - speed skating (road and track), inline freestyle, and inline hockey. Two more freestyle skating golds will be awarded on Sunday.