Li Zhuo survives scare to lift gold

World record holder Li Zhuo of China survived a bout of stage fright to capture the first women's gold medal in the Asian Games weightlifting on MOnday.

The fresh-faced 21-year-old student from Liaoning was taking part in her first major competition and the jitters nearly cost her victory in the 48-kg division.

Li, the joint number one with compatriot Wang Mingjuan, left the door ajar for a shock win by Kay Thi Win of Myanmar when she failed at her first attempt at 110 kg in the clean and jerk but she roared back to clinch the title at the second attempt.

"I was not feeling all that well going into the clean and jerk section," said Li, who gave a little yelp before every lift. "I missed the first lift but managed at the second attempt.

"I do not think a lot about what the other competitors are doing - I think I am the best."

Li edged Kay Thi Win of Myanmar for the gold by virtue of being 0.25kg lighter. Both competitors had identical totals of 200kg (90kg and 110kg) after a thrilling exhibition of powerful lifting by the lightest women in the event.

Indonesia's Lisa Raema Rumbewas, the silver medallist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, took the bronze medal on 195kg (85kg and 110kg).

India's Namerakapam K Devi could only finish seventh.

Li and Kay Thi Win both equalled the snatch record of 90kg, set by Wang in June, and Li's overall mark of 200kg.