GUANGZHOU, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Olympics bronze medalist Zhang Wenxiu garnered the gold medal in women's hammer throw event Wednesday at the Asian athletics championships.

    Zhang, 23, dominated the race from the start. She was leading with a 71.16m and then hit her best throw and won the competition with the hammer landing at 72.07m. Yet regretfully she failed to post better results than her personal best 74.86m, the Asian record she set in 2007 and a 74.32m season's best.

    Zhang's compatriot Hao Shuai was second with 65.87m. Japan's Yuka Murofushi, bronze medalist of last Asian championships, placed third at 61.99m.

    Zhang is in good form in this season and is believed to have potential to seek a podium finish in London. Her hammer throw in 74.25m at Chinese National Games this October also reached the world's top level.

    "After the National Games, I got a cold which disturbed my training plan. So I am happy that I can still win today," said Zhang.