BEIJING - Mexican player Guillermo Perez claimed the title of men's 58kg taekwondo event on Wednesday with superiority ruled by referees, winning the country first gold at Beijing Olympics.

Guillermo Perez (blue) of Mexico fights Yulis Gabriel Mercedes of the Dominican Republic during the men's -58kg taekwando gold medal competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 20, 2008. [Agencies]

 

He said the President of Mexico called him and said "you are the pride of our country".

"Finally my dream came true," the 29-year-old said.

Perez, silver medalist of 2007 world championships, entered the final relatively easier than 28-year-old Dominican Yulis Gabriel Mercedes, who forced his way into the final after intense competitions against defending champion Chu Mu-yen of Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals and world champion Juan Antonio Ramos in the semifinals.

The two Latin Americans finished their regular three rounds with 1-1. The referees voted to give the gold to Perez after the extra-time during which both of them failed to score a point.

Perez said the opponent was very strong.

"He fought very aggressively and he moved very quickly," he said, adding that Mercedes' tactics were also very good.

Although being disappointed by the silver a little bit, Mercedes said he's happy because the final was between two Latin American countries.

"I'm proud for the Mexican gold medalist. It's a match of high quality and both of us are really good," he said.

Rohullah Nikpai of Afghanistan beat Ramos in repechage, winning his country the first Olympic medal. Chu beat Chutchawal Khawlaor of Thailand to share the bronze with Nikpai.