Two-way battle in weightlifting
Thailand and China are set for a titanic clash in the women's 53kg division at the Al-Dana Banquet Hall with Thai gold-medal hopeful Junpim Kuntatean expected to improve on her performance at the last Games in Busan, where she finished in fourth place.
The 22-year-old, who hails from Nakhon Sawan, will be looking to capitalise on her outstanding achievements in 2005 when she won gold medals at the Asian Championships and South East Asian Games. That same year she flexed her muscles to win gold in the snatch at last year's World Championships in Doha, claiming second position overall. "I've trained hard in preparation for these Games. I still suffer from a nagging injury in both knees, but I don't think it will affect my performance. My records are getting better day after day, and I think I have a chance to win a medal here," Junpim said. "China, of course, remains the biggest threat. However, the Chinese lifter competing here is not the same one who won the gold medal in Busan. Therefore, with my improved preparation, I think that I'm ready to battle it out against the Chinese, no matter who it is." The Chinese girl in question is Li Ping. At just 18 years old, Li has already proved her worth and is a genuine medal prospect. She will be looking to match her performance at last year's World Championships in Doha, where she won the Olympic Total gold, lifting 224kg - just 3kg short of the world record set by team mate Qiu Hongxia in 2006 - and the clean and jerk title with a lift of 126kg.
Preechachan Wiriyanupappong The Nation Doha
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