China triumphs at Asian Championships

Putian – China, Nov 15: Chinese gymnasts claimed ten Gold, six Silver and four Bronze medals at the 5th Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championships that were held on November 11 – 14 in Putian (CHN). China prevailed in both the Men’s and Women’s Team and All-around competitions and claimed three event titles for each gender.

The Men’s All-around Champion Liu Rongbing was the most successful gymnast, claiming two more titles on Pommel Horse and Horizontal Bar, while first year senior Shang Chunsong impressed in the Women’s event. Though beaten by team-mate Zeng Siqi and Korea’s Sung Jihye in the All-around, Shang prevailed on Balance Beam and Floor, making her the most decorated female gymnast of the event.

Second most successful country was the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, whose Gymnastics Association was reinstated this October after a two year ban. North Korean Ri Se Gwang claimed Gold on Still Rings and Vault and led the Men’s Team to Bronze. The country’s Women’s team ranked second, while 2008 Olympic Champion Hong Un Jong won Silver on Vault, followed in third place by team-mate Ri Un Ha. Kim Un Hyang added another Silver on Balance Beam to North Korea’s record at their first international competition after the ban.

With seven medals in total, out of which one Gold for first year Senior Kenzo Shirai, Japan ranked third in the overall medal table. The young Japanese teams placed second and third in the Men’s and Women’s competition respectively.

With her successful performance on Vault, 2011 World Bronze medallist Phan Thi Ha Thanh became the first Vietnamese gymnast to win an Asian Gold medal, and compatriot Nguyen Ha Thanh added a Silver on Parallel Bars and a Bronze on Men’s Vault to the country’s record.

Other medallists represent the countries of Korea (2 Silver, 3 Bronze), Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei (1 Bronze each).

Find more information at www.agu-gymnastics.com —- FIG/Photo by AGU