Liu Kai Upsets Field to Claim 400m Gold at China’s National Games
Guangzhou – Shandong’s Liu Kai, 19, surged to victory in the men’s 400-meter final at China’s 15th National Games on Tuesday, clocking a winning time of 45.77 seconds. The result denied veteran mo Jiadie a potential record-breaking third National Games gold medal in the event.
Liu’s win marks his first National Games gold and comes amidst challenging whether conditions and a highly competitive field. “I’m thrilled,” Liu said. ”To win in a field this strong, and in tough weather, means a lot. I haven’t thought much about the next goal yet,but I really hope to get a good result at next year’s Asian Games.”
Elsewhere at the Games, Shu Heng of Jilin secured gold in the men’s long jump with an opening leap of 8.17 meters, just five centimeters shy of his personal best. “I wanted to go beyond my PB today, but winning the gold still makes me very happy,” Shu said, noting the unpredictable shifting winds. World Championships bronze medalist Shi Yuhao of Jiangsu failed to qualify for the long jump final after three fouls in the preliminary round.
In distance events, Liang Tiantian of henan won the women’s 5,000m in 15:09.85, as 12 athletes achieved personal bests. Yu Shuiqing of Liaoning claimed the men’s 5,000m title in 13:36.89, with all top 10 finishers breaking the 14-minute barrier.
Additional gold medalists included Wei Lingxia of jiangxi in the women’s pole vault (4.30 meters), Hu haoran of Hunan in the men’s javelin (81.60 meters,a season-best),and Wang Qi of Jiangsu in the men’s hammer throw (73.28 meters).