Wu Dongliang wins first gold of 1st Asian Youth Games

SINGAPORE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Wu Dongliang of China won the first gold medal of the 1st Asian Youth Games (AYG) Singapore 2009by racking up the highest score in the boys' 3m springboard finals with an astounding score of 626.60.

A distant second was silver medalist Alharbi Rashed of Kuwait with 474.95, just a shadow ahead of Cho Sung In from South Korea who scored 474.05.

"I am happy that I had a good performance today," said 16-year-old Wu, "I am not coming for the gold medal of the Games, but for play my best. The gold medal is a good reward for my hard work."

Wu, who started diving when he was eight, said he would try for a place to take part in the Olympic Youth Games which will be held next year in Singapore.

"I am not sure that I could take part in the OYG next year, but if I had the chance, I will try my best to be here again."

"I want to be a member of China diving team and win an Olympic or world champion," he added.

Cui Dalin, chef de mission of the Chinese delegation, said that he was happy China won the first gold medal in the AYG, but he was happier that the Chinese boy had a good performance.

"We didn't expect our boys and girls to win many gold medals in the AYG, we just want them to play their best, to enjoy the first Asia's sports games for youth. I am happy to see that Wu had his best performance, and obviously, he enjoyed the win today," said Cui.