China's Liu Hong won the women's 20km walk gold medal here today with a time of 1 hour, 32 minutes and 19 seconds in the Asian Games athletics competition.

It is the second gold medal for China in the athletics competitions. China also won the first track and field title earlier today in the men's 20km walk through Han Yucheng.

Japan's Ryoko Sakakura prevented a Chinese 1-2 finish by winning the silver medal in 1:33:19, in front of He Dan's 1:34:24 in the women's event.

The women's race started in a pouring rain and strong wind, with Liu, Sakakura and He leading the first group in the first 40 minutes.

Liu, 19, who ranked third in a World Cup competition in China this season with a personal best of 1:28:26, shook away her opponents after 54 minutes into the race, building up a 10-meter lead quickly.

From then on, Liu was never challenged and cruised home with ease.

"The time is not fast enough because of the rain and the wind," said the winner after the race.

"It is my first time competing in the Asian Games. I am very happy to win the gold meal, " Liu added.

Feng Shuyong, head coach of the Chinese track and field team, said that China didn't send its top two walkers here. "Because they suffered injuries and were not in good form. Liu is one of our hopes for the 2008 Olympics."