China's Zhang Dan (R) and Zhang Hao perform during the pairs free skating of figure skating at the 24th World Winter Universiade in the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center Gym in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 22, 2009.  (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)  Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Feb. 24 -- China’s overwhelming favorites Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao won the first figure skating gold for their nation at the 21st Winter Universiade on Sunday afternoon.

    The medalists posted an overall total score of 195.32 to record their third consecutive victory in the Winter Universiade. Russia and China came second and third respectively.

    SOUNDBITE: Yao Bin, coach of figure skating It is satisfying to have such a high score in our hometown. 
 
    Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao told a press conference they are very happy with their third consecutive victory in their hometown.

    SOUNDBITE: Zhang Dan, figure skater

    It is a great honor for us to claim the gold on home soil. We are very honored and happy.

    Their wonderful performance won praise from spectators.

    SOUNDBITE: Spectators They come from Hei Longjiang province.

    We do too, so we were very excited when they won. 
 
    Xinhua News Agency correspondent reporting from Heilongjiang.

    (Source: XHTV)

China's Zhang Dan (L) and Zhang Hao perform during the pairs free skating of figure skating at the 24th World Winter Universiade in the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center Gym in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 22, 2009.(Xinhua/Li Yong) Photo Gallery>>>