China Takes Three Golds in Asiad Opening-day Swimming

China Takes Three Golds in Asiad Opening-day Swimming

---

China took three gold medals, one more than arch-rivals Japan, on the opening day of the East Asian Games (EAG) swimming competitions Monday in Osaka.

Xu Yanwei, a 16-year-old international competition debutant, won the day's first gold medal in the women's 100 meters freestyle.

"I was nervous before the final as it was the first time I took part in international competitions," said Xu. "But I really wanted the gold because this event is my specialty."

"I admire Lin Li. I admire her hard-working spirit and I hope one day I can be as great as she was," said Xu.

Lin Li is one of the first Chinese swimmers who won gold medals at world swimming championship and Olympic Games.

"I'll work harder after the East Asian Games and I could have the chance to compete in the world swimming championships in Fukuoka." she said.

Liu Yu, also a new-comer of the Chinese swimming team, beat Hosokawa Daisuke of Japan to the second place in the men's 200 meters freestyle.

The Chinese women's quartet sealed up a perfect day for China as they overcame a two-second deficit in the 4x200 meters freestyle relay to beat the Japanese team.

The Japanese took the other two gold medals on offer for the day. Yuko Nakanishi and Sato Ayane finish one-two in the women's 400m individual medley while Kitajima Kosuke took the men's 100m breaststroke title.