Li Dan upsets Qin Xiaoqing in wrestling

2009-10-23 19:29 BJT

Wrestling's provided its share of excitement in the National Games. A total of 336 wrestlers took part, with 18 gold medals at stake. The last three gold medals were handed out on Wednesday, and the day turned dramatic as the Beijing Olympic champions fell prey to upsets.

Li Dan from Liaoning took on veteran Qin Xiaoqing from Jiangsu in the women's 72 kilogram class. Li's teammate, Beijing Olympic champion Wang Jiao, got kicked out of the tournament in the second round. Li and Qin traded wins in the first two sets.

Li Dan's coach, Lu Hai, shouted encouragement and guidance just outside the mat in the third round. And Li took control, trapping the 2009 world champion Qin on the mat in the last second to win the match. The dark horse wrestler celebrated with her coach, as she won her first career gold medal in the National Games.

Editor: James | Source: CCTV.com