Source: Xinhua
02-21-2009 15:16
Special Report: Harbin 24th Winter UniversiadeYABULI, Northeast China, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Kim Hyun-ki overcame an early sick stomach to win his first title at the Harbin Winter Universiade here on Saturday.
Delivering a first-round blow with a jump of 99.5 meters, Kim collected a winning total of 261 points in the men's K90 ski jumping, edging Marcin Bachleda of Poland by 3.5 points.
"I got sick to my stomach after arriving at Yabuli. I was trying to get it under control and I am feeling better now," said Kim through an interpreter.
The 26-year-old Kim, who had also entered the last three Winter Games, finally got a touch of the gold.
"This is one of the most important moment in my career," Kim added. "My best performance was a ninth in World Grand Prix, but I am very happy with this victory."
The K90 event was originally scheduled on Friday afternoon, but postponed to Saturday due to snowy and windy condition.
"It is cold and windy here in Yabuli, which made it one of the most difficult slopes," Kim said. "But this morning it is fine, I am happy with my performance."
Bachleda, who finished first in the second round with a leap of 96.5 meters, took the silver with 257.5 points, followed by Austrian Bastian Kaltenboeck on 251.
Earlier on Saturday, Misaki Shigeno notched up 198.5 points in two tries to lead Japan to a 1-2 finish in the women's K90 ski jumping.
Shigeno finished top of both rounds, beating teammate Natsuka Sawaya to the second place with 188.5 points.
Chinese Li Zhenhuan was a distant third on 119, followed by compatriots Cui Linlin, Ji Min and Ma Yunshan.
Women's ski jumping is making its debut at the Winter Universiade with only seven jumpers from Japan and China in contention. The other Chinese Zhou Yanyan was disqualified.
Editor:Zhang Yun
