Track and Field Competition at Universiade Kicks OffDefending champion Jay Y. Cumba of Cuba clinched the women's shot put gold while Keyan John Kanyi triumphed in the men's 10,000 meters on Monday, the first day of the track and field competition at the 21st Universiade.Cumba, 26, landed the winner on her fourth attempt with 18.90 meters. South Korean Lee Myung-Sun regained her form in the last try, hitting a 18.79 meters to take the silver. The bronze went to Polish Katarzyna Zakowicz, who secured a medal with a throw of 18.31 meters on her first attempt. "I'm happy with the result, because I've not yet returned to my form." said Cumba. Chinese veteran Cheng Xiaoyan, who had a personal best of 19.31 meters, finished a disappointing fourth at 18.22 meters. "Though I didn't win a medal, I'm still satisfied with my performance." said the 26-year-old Cheng, who also participated in the Edmonton World Athletics Championships but failed to reach the last eight. Kenyan again showed their talent in long-distance running as Kanyi overcame time difference to claim the men's 10,000 meters title. Kanyi, who arrived in Beijing Saturday, proved a dark horse in the race, clocking a winning time of 28 minutes 27.42 seconds, only 12.42 seconds short of the Games record. Spaniard Ignacio Caceres crossed the line 16.21 seconds behind to have the silver. Japanese Kazuyoshi Tokumoto, who was timed 28: 47.34, won the bronze. Hosts China also saw medal hopes through today's hurdles competitions. The 18-year-old Liu Xiang cruised into the men's 110m hurdles final with the fastest 13.61 seconds, while Su Yiping, joined by Australian Jacquie Munro, clocked the best time of 13.15 seconds in the semifinals. Chinese star Guan Yingnan, who was narrowly knocked out of the top eight in the Edmonton World Athletics Championships, easily jumped 6.51 meters in the women's jump qualifier to enter the last eight. In the men's 1500m first round, Michael Stember of the United States ran the fastest 3 minutes 45.42 seconds. Irish Gareth Turnbull placed second in 3:45.60, followed by Alexis Abraham of France in 3:45.87. Seven gold medals, including the titles of most excited men's and women's 100m dash, will be decided on Tuesday. |
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