(YBY, CRI News, Athens)

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- China has encountered with a bump in the road of their Athens gold hunt, failing to grab a single gold medal on day four of the Olympics. Chinese fencers narrowly missed two titles and shooters had to settle for a bronze. But basketball star Yao Ming has regained form, leading the team to their first victory at the Games. From Athens, CRI correspondent Yang Binyuan reports.

    With the team having medal chances in only two or three events on Tuesday, China slowed down its gold rush in Athens.

    But Chinese fencers displayed potential when Tan Xue made a historic breakthrough in winning the country's first ever Olympic medal in women's individual sabre.

    Affected by her injury, 20-year-old world champion Tan Xue was defeated by America's Mariel Zagunis 15-9 in the final.

    Tan Xue says though she feels regretful about the loss, she did her utmost and this medal is perhaps the best gift that she has given to herself. She promises to do even better in 2008 when the Olympics is held in China.

    Shortly after Tan Xue kissed goodbye to a fencing gold, China's Wang Lei had to concede another gold to Marcel Fischer of Switzerland in men's individual epee. But a silver medal is already a great success for the 23-year-old Chinese fencer.

    Earlier in the day, Chinese sharpshooter Wang Zheng collected a bronze medal in the men's Double Trap with 178 targets.

    China's men's basketball team bounced back from a disappointing loss to Spain to beat New Zealand 69-62, leveling the Chinese record for the Athens Games at 1-1.

    Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming led the Chinese team, finishing with 39 points and 13 rebounds.

    The 2.26-meter player, who only managed 13 points against Spain, put in a strong inside display although the New Zealand 'Tall Blacks' rallied late on.

    China's next game is Thursday against Argentina. The Chinese, who lost their opener to Spain, must finish in the top four of their preliminary group to reach the quarterfinals.

    By the end of day four, China's leading position in the medal tally remains unchallenged, with ten golds, six silvers and two bronzes.