Chinese novice Zhong Guoshun made a strong hit at the Junior World Weightlifting Championships as he breezily took the gold medal in the men's 69kg with a total of 316kg in Hangzhou on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Zhong met no challenge both in the snatch and jerk. Though Erkand Qerimaj of Albania took a risk by asking a barely-lifting 180kg to overcome Hog, but failed.

Qerimaj, 18, conceded to the second place at 311kg while Kuanysh Pakhatov of Kazakstan took the bronze at 310kg.

Zhong's coach Long Wangchun jumped onto the arena to hug Zhong tightly after the competition. "It was his first time to compete in the Junior Worlds. We had never expected he could win," Long said.

"I like the atmosphere here which was totally different from the domestic competitions. This gold medal really gives me more confidence and I think I can work harder in the future," Zhong said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2006)