Zhang claims 1st gold for hosts Urumqi at China's National Winter Games

URUMQI - Zhang Xin from Urumqi claimed the first gold medal for the hosts Xinjiang in the 13th National Winter games of China as she won the women's aerial freestyle skiing event here on Thursday.

Zhang earned 94.47 points for her jump after Kong Fanyu and Shen Xiaoxue, both from Qiqihar, won silver and bronze respectively.

"I felt a little nervous before the competition and didn't expect the gold medal. I think I just presented a normal performance, it influenced me a lot after being sidelined one year due to injury, I can say I have overcome myself," said Zhang.

Hot favorite and world champion Xu Mengtao fell on her jump in the final while landing and could not stand up. She was then taken away on a stretcher and sent to a local hospital for inspection.

"She suffered torn ligaments on her left knee," a doctor said after the initial examination.

Xu eventually earned 63.08 points for her jump and finished fifth in the event.

In the men's race, defending champion Liu Zhongqing from Daqing retained his title with 119.04 points. Qiqihar's Zhou Hang took the second while Wang Xindi from Urumqi ranked third.

"I was excited when I first won the title four years ago, but this time I felt very calm. I am not sure whether or not I can compete in the Olympic Games two years later, it depends on my physical conditions," said Liu.