China’s rising star Zhang Haiqin dominated the women’s 55-kilogram category at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Saturday. The 18-year-old sensation swept three gold medals and shattered all three world junior records.
Zhang, born in 2005, showcased impeccable form, successfully completing all six of her attempts. She lifted 99kg in the snatch, securing her first gold medal. In the clean and jerk, she hoisted an impressive 126kg, clinching the victory with a total lift of 225kg.
In the men’s 61kg division, China’s Wang Hao took an early lead by winning the snatch gold with a lift of 142kg. However, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Pak Myong Jin staged a remarkable comeback in the clean and jerk. Despite Wang’s 163kg in his opening attempt, Pak powered through with 170kg, edging ahead by just one kilogram to claim the gold medals in both the clean and jerk and the overall total. China’s Wang Min secured three bronze medals.
In the men’s 67kg class, China’s Zheng Xinhao opened strong by winning the snatch gold with 147kg. His momentum faltered in the clean and jerk, as he managed only his opening lift of 170kg, earning a bronze medal in that category. Vietnam’s Tran Minh Tri seized the opportunity, capturing the total gold with a combined lift of 318kg, narrowly surpassing Zheng’s total of 317kg.
