Feng Lanlan took the nationin to a new territory by winning the women’s 68-kilogramme (kg) karate title after Zhou Yu’s victory in the women’s kayak singles 500-metre event had equalled the 183-mark. No other country has ever won more golds at a single Asiad. China had already made Guangzhou its most dominant in terms of total medals when they passed the 341-mark set in 1990.
The hosts had more good news as badminton superstar Lin Dan was named the event’s most valuable player. The 27-year-old claimed the last major title that had eluded him when he defeated Malaysian world number one Lee Chong Wei in the final. He is already a three-time world champion and the current Olympic champion.
Gelassa wins gold
Bahrain’s Ethiopian-born Bilisuma Shugi Gelassa clinched gold in the men’s 10,000-metres, powering past long-time leader Essa Rashed in the final 150 metres. Gelassa, trailing by 20 metres at the bell, clocked 27 minutes and 32.72 seconds after seeing off Qatar’s Rashed following a battle down the home straight.
Taiwan skater reveals cancer battle
Taiwan’s Chen Li-hsin clinched a roller-sports silver medal and then revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer on the eve of the event. The 27-year-old, who teamed up with Weng Tzu-hsia in the pairs skating final, will now head home for surgery.
“I learned about the cancer during a medical check before the Asian Games and thanks to the Games I learned about this fact,” said Chen.
Yoshida boosts Japan
Olympic and world champion Saori Yoshida saved Japan from a gold medal wipe-out in women’s wrestling in the 55-kg final. She overpowered China’s Zhang Lan to win after all three teammates had failed to reach their finals.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2010.
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