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China's weightlifters claim third and fourth golds

11/08/2008

China's weightlifting team today claimed their third and fourth golds of the Beijing Olympics.

Chen Yanqing successfully defended the title she won in 2004 in the women's 58kg before Zhang Xiangxiang went two better than Athens by winning gold in the men's 62kg class.

Chen, who came out of retirement to compete in her home Games, set two Olympic records as she became the first woman to win two weightlifting golds.

The 29-year-old beat Russian Maria Shainova and early favourite O Jong Ae of North Korea into the silver and bronze medal positions after a total lift of 244kg.

Her second Olympic record of the day followed when she lifted 138kg in the clean and jerk, having already snatched 106kg.

Chinese supporters were treated to a second gold on day four when Zhang emerged triumphant in the men's 62kg class.

Zhang, who won bronze in Athens, snatched 143kg and lifted 1756kg in clean and jerk 319kg.

Colombian Diego Salazar finished second, while Indonesia's Triyatno was third.

Chen Xiexia and teenager Long Qingquan claimed China's first weightlifting golds of the Beijing Olympics over the weekend.