Zhang continues China's goldrush

China's Zhang Xiangxiang continued the host country's run of success in weightlifting as he took gold in the men's 62kg class on Monday.

Zhang, a bronze medallist in Athens, snatched 143kg and lifted 176kg in the clean and jerk to end with a total lift of 319kg and keep his rivals at bay.

Colombia's Diego Salazar grabbed the silver medal, while Indonesia's Triyatno claimed bronze.

But North Korea's Im Young Su failed with all three attempts at 168kg.

606: DEBATE
How good are China's weightlifters?
The world number two had been tipped to secure a medal after a desperately disappointing showing in Athens in 2004, but he could fare no better this time around.

Zhang's win was China's fourth weightlifting gold of the Games, following in the footsteps of Chen Yanqing, Chen Xiexia and 17-year-old Long Qingquan.

After the medal ceremony he knelt down on his knees and bowed to the ecstatic home crowd.

The 25-year-old said he planned to retire from the sport having achieved his lifetime ambition.

"I've been waiting for this gold medal for eight years," said Zhang.

"This time on the stage has been a perfect ending to my career."

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Beijing 2008 - weightlifting
British Weightlifting Association
International Weightlifting Federation
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