Torch relay continues in Zhongshan

ZHONGSHAN, Guangdong - The Asian Games Torch Relay continued on Wednesday in Guangdong province after its ignition in Beijing on Saturday.

The relay excited spectators with some well-known local bearers.

Retired badminton player Yang Wei, who won the women's doubles titles at the 2004 Athens Olympics with Zhang Jiewen, was the first runner. She said she was honored to take part in the relay.

"On hearing the news ... my legs became weak ... (I was) even more nervous than when I was competing," Yang said. "The torch was heavier than I thought but was asked to lift it higher so the audience could see the flame," she said

"I believe (bearing a torch) it is more meaningful than simply being an athlete (gaining an individual achievement)," said Yang, "it's a collective effort to attract much wider participation."

The course in Zhongshan city measured about 11.2 km with 80 torchbearers taking part.

The last runner, Sun Bisheng, the great grandnephew of Dr Sun Yat-sen, founder of modern China, was another bearer of note.

"I never thought I would be the last runner. I was honored and also surprised," said Sun, "I think today I represent my family bearing the torch in the hometown of Dr Sun Yat-sen."