Kang Yue of Qingdao competes during the women's 69kg category weight lifting finals at the 6th Chinese City Games in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2007. Kang lifted 245kg, the same result as Li Juan of Nanchang, and claimed the title for her lighter weight.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WUHAN, Central China, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Kang Yue of Qingdao took slight advantage in body weight to beat Li Juan of Nanchang, winning the gold medal in the women's 69kg category at the Chinese City Games here on Sunday.

    Touching barbells at the age of 12, the 16-year-old girl had never participated in the national competitions before.

    "This is my first experience in a multi-sport games and the gold medal is a surprising gift," said Li.

    "I still need time to improve my skills and power. The victory here encouraged me to work harder."

    Both Kang and Li hoisted a total of 245kg, but Li had to settle with the silver because she was 0.54kg heavier than Kang.

    Li, silver medallist in the world junior championships in 2007, cried in front of the press after the competition, saying that she had aimed at gold medal before coming here.

    Kang lifted 109kg in the snatch, only one kilogram less than Li. The 20-year-old Li tried to hoist 139kg in her last attempt to throw the burden to her closet opponent, but failed, finishing her debut at the City Games at 245kg.

    "My back was hurt in my fifth attempt and it influenced my performance in her last lift," Li said with tears.

    "I had lifted 139kg several times before. I am so disappointed with the result," she added.

    Jerking 136kg in her fourth lift with a total of 245kg, Kang had held the gold in hands already.

    She continued to challenge 140kg in her fifth attempt, but failed, and gave up her last lift.

    Shu Jiao, representing Yan'an team, clinched the bronze at 240kg.

Kang Yue of Qingdao attends the awarding ceremony for the women's 69kg category weight lifting at the 6th Chinese City Games in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 28, 2007. Kang lifted 245 kg in the finals on Sunday, the same result as Li Juan of Nanchang, and claimed the title for her lighter weight. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>