China wins 6th gold in Athens
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-16 21:38

Debutant Zhu Qinan of China shocked the world as he came from nowhere to snatch the men's 10m air rifle gold at the Athens Olympics on Monday.

The 20-year-old Zhu, who is competing in his first Olympics, shot 103.7 points in the final to tally 702.7, the new world record. Compatriot Li Jie grabbed the silver on 701.3 points.

"I didn't know I broke the world record until you told me of it, " Zhu told Xinhua in the mixed zone at the Markopoulo shooting range.

"I tried my best in the competition and shot to my normal form, " he added.

World number one Jozef Gonci of the Czech Republic took the bronze on 697.4 points.

Zhu, who had only made two appearances in the international competition, was the top qualifier going the 10-shot final on 599 points, only one point shy of the world record for the qualification round. He maintained his lead throughout the final, with nine shots over 10 points.(xixi)