China's Yang sets world record in weightlifting

BANGKOK (JP): Yang Xia of China twice set a new world record in the women's 53 kilograms weightlifting division in the 13th Asian Games at the Muang Thong Thani sports complex.

Yang set a record of 120.0 kilograms in the clean and jerk, breaking the old record of 117.5kgs made by Wang Fuxen of China. At her first attempt, Yang lifted 118.0kgs and at the second she managed 120.0kgs.

Yang, who lifted 92.5kgs in the snatch, took the gold medal with a total combined weight of 212.5kgs.

In second place, Li Feng Ying of Chinese Taipei lifted a total of 202.5kgs with a snatch lift of 90.0kgs and clean and jerk of 112.5.

Swe Swe Win of Myanmar took the bronze after lifting a total of 197.5kgs with a snatch of 87.5kgs and clean and jerk of 110.0kgs.

Indonesia failed to win the bronze as Supeni, in fourth position, was judged to have failed in her final attempt in the clean and jerk when she tried to lift 112.5kgs.

Supeni lifted 87.5kgs in snatch and 110.0kgs in clean and jerk. Her total lift was 197.5kgs. Although the Myanmar competitor and the Indonesian lifted the same figure, the judges gave the medal to the former as the slightly lighter lifter.

Supeni weighed 52.55kgs while Swe weighed 52.25kgs.

The Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Body building Association secretary-general, Djoko Pramono, expressed his disappointment.

"It's too bad. But there's nothing we can do. Supeni was pressed out, as her left elbow was bending on her final attempt. Our prior estimation was really close to the reality," he said.

Supeni could not hide her tears in the changing room. She was just a step away from the bronze.

"Of course, I'm disappointed. I have given my best, I fought all out but the result was really disappointing," said the mother of a one-and-a-half year old daughter.

Djoko said: "Supeni has proved that she could come back after delivering her baby. We still need her in the future."

The association would call all lifters back to its training camp after they all return home from the Asiad.

"I don't want to wait until the Idul Fitri holiday. I have told the coaches that we will start training after the Asiad. Let all athletes enjoy their stay in Bangkok. It's their present for fighting for their country," he said.

"Money for the training camp won't be a problem although I still have no idea where can I get it," he added.

In the men's 62kgs division, Taufik failed to win the medal after he only lifted a total of 282.5kgs, with 127.5kgs in snatch and 155kgs in clean and jerk.

Indonesia is still hoping on Erwin Adbullah Wednesday in the 68kgs division. (yan)