Zhang, 32-year-old, lifted 184kg on his third attempt to take his total to 336k, one kilogram better than his compatriot Shi Zhiyong, silver medallist in 62kg class in Athens.

Shi, who upgraded his category to the 69kg division after the Athens Games, had been on course for the gold after leading in the snatch, but failed with his fist lift in the jerk at 175kg to handthe initiative to Zhang, who prevailed to leave the 26-year-old Shi to take silver with 335kg.

Kim Sun Bae of South Korea took the bronze on a total of 307kg.

"I haven't competed in any events for almost one year because of family issues, so winning the gold medal here is great encouragement for me," Zhang told the press.

"I am still a rookie in 69kg division and I have performed my best. Zhang is more powerful and I think I should learn from him," Shi said.

"I feel very honored to receive the bronze. I am still not so confident to beat the Chinese, but I'll try my best in the Beijing Olympics if I am not injured at that time," said Kim.