China's Zhang wins light-heavyweight boxing gold

2008-08-24 08:09:13 GMT2008-08-24 16:09:13 (Beijing Time) SINA.com

Zhang Xiaoping of China celebrates after defeating Kenny Egan of Ireland at the men’s light heavy (81kg) final bout at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games boxing event at Worker’s Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. Zhang Xiaoping won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, August 24 - Zhang Xiaoping of China won the Olympic light-heavyweight title in Beijing on Sunday with a contentious victory over Ireland's Kenny Egan.

Zhang had already been the beneficiary of a controversial semi-final victory over Kazakhstan's Yerkebulan Shynaliyev and his 11-7 victory over Egan contained several points scored off punches that didn't seem to land cleanly.

The Chinese opened up a 2-0 lead in the first round and thereafter every time Egan closed the gap to a point, Zhang would soon after win a point.

In the final round the Irishman became desperate and was caught a few times taking risks.

Shynaliyev and Tony Jeffries from Britain won the bronze medals.

(Agencies)

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