China starts with hat trick at FESPIC Games

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-25 09:41

China scored a flying start with three victories on Friday at the 9th Far East and South Pacific (FESPIC) Games.

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China beat New Caledonia 103-26 in the men's wheelchair basketball group round, the first match at the 2006 Kuala Lumpur FESPIC Games. Later in the evening, Chinese men's wheelchair basketball team trounced Palestine 99-20.

China won another victory in the women's goalball, edging Iran 11-1.

Ma Litao, deputy director of Competition Department of China Disabled Persons' Federation, rated China's performance as nervous especially at the beginning of each match.

"Coaches then advised the athletes to relax, thus helping them better adjust to the matches," he said.

Lu Shiming, deputy chef-de-mission of the Chinese delegation, encouraged the Chinese athletes to learn from their rivals.

"This will definitely help us prepare for the 2008 Paralympics, " he said.

The Games opens on November 25 and closes on December 1. It features 19 sports, among which the Chinese compete in 289 events of 17 sports.