DOHA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's top fencer Wang Lei clinched the men's individual epee gold after beating his compatriot Xie Yongjun 15-8 at the 15th Asian Games on Monday.

Wang and Xie advanced into the final after eliminating Yaghoubian Ali of Iran and Kim Seung Gu of South Korea in their semifinal bouts.

Wang, silver medalist at the 2002 Athens Olympics and gold winner in the 2006 World Championships, eased into a 8-4 lead by the first break. In the second three minutes, though Xie tried to came back, Wang held his form to finish the bout 15-8.

"I am happy to get the gold. In fact, I am more relaxed when fencing against my teammate in the final compared with my previousgames," said Wang Lei, who added the duels before the semifinals were tougher.

"My opponent in the semifinal was not so tough, and my teammateeliminated a strong South Korean opponent in his semifinal bout. So we are relaxed in the final," said Wang.

Chinese coach Xiao Jian also said he was satisfied with the Chinese players' performance.