China

China,S. Korea split medals, Asian records toppled

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-02-02 08:43

China's women and South Korea's men team made clean sweeps of the medals in the 1,000m speed skating events respectively, where both Asian records were toppled at the sixth Asian Winter Games on Thursday.

China dominated women's event with Wang Beixing crowned twice in the tournament in an Asian record of one minute 17.35 seconds after winning in the 500m event on Tuesday. The previous record of 1:19.17 was set by South Korean Kim You-Lim earlier January.

Wang Fei, the first double gold medalist here, finished in 1:17.54, adding a silver to her medal tally. Ren Hui was on the third place in 1:18.84.

"We did not expect such a good result before the race actually," said Wang Beixing. "For me, the big goal is to do better in the Winter Olympics in 2010."

In the men's race, Lee Kyou-Hyuk, the reigning champion and the winner in the men's 1,500m on Wednesday, became the third double gold medalist here after finishing the 1,000 meters in 1:09.86.

"I am glad that I did well here," said the 29-year-old Lee. "I have gone through a tough time. This may be my last tournament, but I am not quite sure."

His compatriot Mun Joon, the former Asian record holder, took the silver medal in 1:10.45, followed by Choi Jae-Bong of South Korea in 1:10.92, who also beat the previous record of 1:11.74.