China takes first gold at Asian Games in wushu win

Yuan Xiaochao competes during the changquan (chong-chu'yen) discipline in wushu event at the Asian Games in Guangzhou Nov 13, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - China has secured the first gold medal at the Guangzhou Asian Games, not surprisingly in the martial arts with Yuan Xiaochao winning the changquan (chong-chu'yen) discipline in wushu.

Yuan, a two-time world champion and gold medalist at the Doha Asian Games, was heavily favored to win the event.

Wushu refers to Chinese martial arts and changquan, which means "long fist," is a discipline that involves fully extended movements.

Yuan finished with a score of 9.78.

Daisuke Ichikizaki of Japan won silver with a score of 9.72, while Ehsan Peyghambari took the bronze with a score of 9.70.