Olympic taekwondo medalists crash out at China's National Games

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Olympic taekwondo medalists crash out at China's National Games

(Xinhua) 18:55, September 02, 2013

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Two-time Olympic taekwondo champion Wu Jingyu suffered bitter defeat at China's National Games on Monday as she had to fight tougher opponents in the women's 57kg category instead of the 49kg class which she usually entered.

Wu, the 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold medalist in the 49kg class, was upset 9-3 by Lei Jie in the semifinals of the 57kg category in the afternoon and missed out on the national title.

"I did not have enough time to lose weight to take part in the 49kg class. It is my first time to compete in the 57kg category, so it is hard for me in the match," said the 25-year-old Wu.

"But the result is acceptable. After all I began training for the National Games just one month ago, I am far from my top form," she added.

After successfully defending her Olympic title in London, Wu did not take systematic training for more than half a year, busy with her college study.

The disadvantage in the size was not so obvious as Wu enjoyed easy victories in the first two rounds.

But Lei Jie, who was once Wu's training partner and the runner-up at the last National Games, posed great threat to Wu, who had to adopt a kick-and-run strategy in the duel.

"Lei and her coach are very familiar with me," said Wu.

Hou Yuzhuo, silver medalist of the women's 57kg at last year's London Olympics, was also a surprise loser. She was defeated by Shao Fenfen of Anhui in the quarterfinal round. The two players were tied 4-4 after overtime and Shao advanced into the last four due to weight advantage.

（Editor：WangXin、Hongyu）