Wang Jiao keeps title
Monday, 18 August 2008
BEIJING, Aug 17 : Host wrestler Wang Jiao of China won the women's 72kg freestyle wrestling Olympic gold after defeating Stanke Zlateva of Bulgaria Sunday.
Four years ago in Athens Games, Wang Jiao's teammate Wang Xu beat Russian Gouzel Maniorova to win China the first-ever Olympic wrestling gold. Wang Jiao walked almost the same way to help China retain the title.
Both Wang Jiao and Wang Xu thrashed five-time world champion Kyoko Hamaguchi of Japan in semifinals. Compared with less known Maniorova, twice world champion Zlateva is more difficult to beat.
Zlateva took the opening point before a capacity crowd of screaming fans 30 seconds into the first bout. Wang Jiao struck back with a leg attack that the world champion tried to answer with a counter throw and was caught on her back leading to Zlateva's defeat.
Four years ago in Athens Games, Wang Jiao's teammate Wang Xu beat Russian Gouzel Maniorova to win China the first-ever Olympic wrestling gold. Wang Jiao walked almost the same way to help China retain the title.
Both Wang Jiao and Wang Xu thrashed five-time world champion Kyoko Hamaguchi of Japan in semifinals. Compared with less known Maniorova, twice world champion Zlateva is more difficult to beat.
Zlateva took the opening point before a capacity crowd of screaming fans 30 seconds into the first bout. Wang Jiao struck back with a leg attack that the world champion tried to answer with a counter throw and was caught on her back leading to Zlateva's defeat.