By Zhou Huimin (Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-25 10:30

QIQIHAR, Northeast China - Turin Olympic gold medalist Wang Meng led the Qitaihe team to a controversial gold of the women's team short-track speed skating at China's 11th Winter Games here on Thursday.

Olympic gold medalist Wang Meng (front) leads the race during the women's team short-track speed skating at China's 11th Winter Games in Qiqihar of Northeast China on Thursday. [Xinhua]

In the close match among favorites Qitaihe, Changchun and Harbin, Wang elbowed Changchun's Zhou Yang three times to prevent Zhou from overtaking her. Wang was judged three fouls and her result was cancelled. But the tactic effectively helped Wang's teammate Sun Linlin finish first.

Qitaihe claimed the gold, while Changchun got the silver and Harbin took the bronze.

However, Wang Meng and Liu Xiaoying from Changchun had an argument on the justice of the match at the news conference.

"I believe Changchun could win the women's team title," said Liu. "I'm still happy that we won the silver, but I hope the match could be more open, just and fair."

Liu said, "Short-track speed skating is a very special event, and it's normal to have tactics in teamwork, but it's better to be more open and sportsmanlike."

Against Liu's opinion, Wang argued that the match was open, just and fair. "Short-track speed skating concerns many factors and it's reasonable to arrange the tactics," said Wang.

Both Wang and Liu participated in the women's 3,000m team race. The top four players out of eight will get 5, 3, 2 and 1 points respectively. Finally, Qitaihe beat Changchun by two points.

"The games were based on justice and fairness. The referee's judgement was correct and fair," said Tong Lixin, director of the competetion committee.

"The team competition is very fierce, and the charm lies in the tactical teamwork."

As for Wang's foul, Tong said the referee was right to give her a penalty for pushing others. "It's not allowed and not encouraged to foul in the matches," said Tong.

He also expressed his regret that Changchun did not win the team gold. "Changchun did not seize their chance to win the title."

"The referee's judgement had no problem," said Changchun's coach Xin Qingshan, the former head coach of the national team. "But as a star athlete, Wang Meng should not have fouled in the match," said Xin.