China's Zhou Chunxiu waves after winning the women's marathon finals at the 15th Asian Games in Doha December 9, 2006. [Reuters]

Zhou Chunxiu of China gave a masterclass in front-running to clinch the women's marathon gold medal at the Asian Games on Saturday.

Zhou, who finished fifth in the 2005 world championships with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, 12 seconds, snatched the lead after about four kilometers and never looked back, clocking 2:27:03 over the distance of 42.195 kilometers.

"I had thought I could finish the race around 2 hours 20 minutes," said the 28-year-old Zhou. "The winds affected me somewhat."

Kiyoko Shimahara and Kayako Obata made a 2-3 finish for Japan, which was missing several of its top marathoners who decided to concentrate on the world championships qualifying events this year.

Shimahara took silver in 2:30:34, just 4 seconds ahead Obata.

"Marathon is one of Japan's strength events, but we didn't win the gold medal this time. It's a pity," Shimahara said.

A small field of 10 athletes entered the race.