Xu sails off into history

China's Xu Lijia won gold in the women's laser radial race at the London Olympics on Monday, leading from the start in a four-nation head to head.

The 2006 world champion and 2008 bronze medal holder overcame a penalty turn to win the three lap race comfortably.

Shortly after the finish, Xu stood on her boat and waved the Chinese flag.

"I give it my best for Weymouth, the whole world and also for my country China", Xu told the BBC.

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands won silver and Belgium's Evi Van Acker took bronze in a fast race on the Nothe course in front of thousands of spectators.

Ireland's Annalise Murphy lost the battle for a medal, finishing fourth. Only 1 point separated the first four ahead of the medal race.

(China Daily 08/07/2012 page12)