Zhong becomes China's first individual cycling world champion

LONDON - Zhong Tianshi became China's first world champion in an individual cycling event after beating teammate Lin Junhong in the women's sprint at the Track World Championships on Sunday.

China's Zhong Tianshi (left) and Lin Junhong celebrate after the women's sprint at the Track World Championships in London March 6, 2016. Zhong beats Lin to win the champion. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 25-year-old was a comfortable winner in both of the final rides, taking the best-of-three series 2-0 to improve upon the bronze she won in the event 12 months ago.

Defending champion, Germany's Kristina Vogel, winner of the women's keirin title this week, beat Australian Anna Meares 2-0 in the bronze medal ride.

"I have been waiting for this gold medal for a long time," said a jubilant Zhong.

Zhong lost to Vogel in the semifinals of last year's worlds but took a sweet revenge Sunday morning to qualify for the final.

She also won the silver with teammate Gong Jinjie in the women's team sprint, after being downgraded from gold for an illegal change, handing the title to Russia.

"I was in better form last year but I lost to myself," she said.

She said she will get herself ready for the Rio Olympic Games back home, trying to making history by becoming China's first cycling Olympic champion.

"I am now more confident of winning a gold medal at Rio," she said. "This gold medal is really a big boost."