Wu Jingyu clinched the women's 47kg taekwondo gold medal to win China's
first gold medal of this sport in the Doha Asian Games, beating Yang Shu Chun
from Chinese Taipei2-1 in the final.
Since making a debut in the 1998 Asiad, China experienced an eight-year gold medal drought before Wu's victory.
Wu, silver medallist in the 2006 World Cup, scored the first points and took
a 1-0 lead into the second round. Yang replied with 29 seconds to go in round
two to even the score at 1-1.
The third round was filled with a lot of faking, with both fighters trying to
make the other kick to get scores.
With a minute to go in the final round, the 19-year-old Wu took a 2-1 lead
with a roundabout kick, hitting the 21-year-old Yang on the side. Yang tried in
vain to score the much-needed point and pressed hard on Wu to a corner when
full-time was indicated.
Yaowapa Boorapolchai of Thailand and Kathleen Eunice Alora of Philippines
took the bronze medals.
"All the athletes are at the same level. It's tough and difficult, but I am
happy that I won the gold," Wu said after the competition.
"I feel very honored and excited for bringing China the first gold in this
event," she added.
