By Sportswriter Zhang Rongfeng

    DOHA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ri Se Gwang won the DPR Korea the first vault title in their Asian Games' history with a score of 16.625 points at Doha Asiad on Wednesday.

    Ri finished two high-difficulty vault with solidity and power to collect an average of 16.625 points, lifting DPR Korea their first ever Asiad vault gold and also the third gold at Doha 2006.

    DPR Korea's first two golds came from Hong Su Jong on the uneven bars and Jo Jong Chol on pommel horse on Tuesday.

    Malaysia's NG Shu Wai finished second with 16.487, in spite of stepping out the line in his first routine. Yernar Yerimbetov of Kazakhstan was third on 16.300.

    "I will continue to train hard and try to win the gold in Beijing Olympics," said Ri.

    "I can defeat others for I have a better spirit than them. That's my secret to win,"

    "I would like to thank my coach and my people. They help me a lot for my growth and for my success today," Ri said.

    Ri Se Gwang of DPRK ranked second for the final but had the highest single vault score during qualification at 16.650.

    DPR Korea's last medal is a bronze on the apparatus by Li Gu Sil in New Delhi in 1982. Ri lifted the score of his second vault at the final for his gold medal assault and Ri successfully improved over the silver he won at the 2006 Asian Championships with an average of 16.313 points.

    The bronze is a console for Yernar Yerimbetov. "I finally got a medal for my country and for myself. It's a bronze, but it's my first medal at Asiad. It's an encouragement for me to work on and win more," said Yerimbetov with excitement.

    "It's a progress for our vault and a prove of my capability. I am just very happy to step out the first step on vault for Kazakhstan for it's always good to be the first," said Yerimetov.

    Yernar Yerimbetov of Kazakhstan vaulted conservatively during qualification, but still earned himself a score of 15.925.

    He is the most experienced international finalist in the field and narrowly missed a medal at this year's world championships in Aarhus of Denmark, finishing fourth. During the hotly contested final he vaulted solidly but could not close the 0.113 gap with bronze medallist Fabian Hambuechen.

    Yerimbetov has won several medals at the World Cup, most recently a silver in Paris. He finished fourth at the last Asian Games in Busan. The bronze is also the first medal for Kazakhstan on vault at an Asian Games.

    The men's vault final always draws a crowd at the international events when gymnasts attempt multiple twists and somersaults in every direction to earn the vaulting crown.