Zhao Shuai wins China's first gold medal in men's taekwondo

Zhao Shuai of China celebrates after winning taekwondo men's -58kg finals, Aug 17, 2016. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn]

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Zhao Shuai of China won the men's under-58kg Olympic taekwondo title in Rio on Wednesday, beating Thailand's Tawin Hanprab 6-4 in the final.

Zhao, the bronze medalist in the 2015 world championships, led from the first score and had a 5-1 margin after two rounds. Hanprab reduced the deficit to 5-4 in the final round with a three-point head kick. But Zhao managed to stay calm and scored a point to hold onto his lead until the end.

"I am really excited. I wasn't burdened with pressure because I was not considered the title favorite before the competition," said the 21-year-old Zhao.

Luisito Pie of the Dominican Republic and South Korea's Kim Tae-hun collected the bronze medals.