19-year-old Chinese star ends gold drought and eyes London Olympics

SHANGHAI - China's Jiao Liuyang won her first individual 200 meter World Championships butterfly gold medal, but she was not satisfied with her time and said the real competition would take place at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"I felt OK today. It's my first gold medal at the worlds, so I'm happy with it," said 19-year-old Jiao. "However, the level of the competition was not very high, so it was not a real fight this time. This worlds is the last major event before the London Games and the gold medal means something to me, but the result is not that satisfactory."

In the 200m butterfly final at the FINA World Championships on Thursday, Jiao, who just returned from the Military World Games in Brazil four days ago, led from start to finish to win in two minutes, 5.55 seconds. Ellen Gandy of Britain took the silver in 2:05.59, followed by China's defending champion and world record holder Liu Zige (2:01.81).

Liu's world record is 2:01.81, which was achieved at China's National Games in Ji'nan in 2009.

"I dared not to try my very best in the preliminary round and semi, since my physical condition is not good," said Jiao, who is still adjusting to the time difference.

"Since I only just came back from Brazil, I felt no pressure before the race, but just to try my best."

The victory marked Jiao's first World Championship title in individual event, although the 19-year-old gained fame at an early age.

At 15, Jiao finished second at the World Short-Course Championships and was crowned the Asian champion later with a new Asian record. But after that, her efforts were overshadowed by Liu, the 2008 Beijing Olympic 200m butterfly champion.

Jiao finished second to Liu at the Beijing Games and at the Rome World Championships in 2009. She won bronze in the 100m butterfly and claimed a gold with her teammates in the 4x100m medley.

At the Shanghai worlds, Liu was not in her best form as she finished sixth in the 100m butterfly on Monday.

"In order to make great progress I am trying something new in training with my coach. Maybe we haven't found the right point yet," Liu said.

The comparison between the two inspires Jiao.

"I think it encourages us to grow up together," Jiao said. "When I am not in good form, she can win for China. When she is not good, I can take the responsibility. When both of us are good, we can try to win together."

China Daily