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Li/Sun win historic gold for China in tennis
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ATHENS, Aug. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Li Ting and Sun Tiantian, the top Chinese pair in
the women's doubles, won for their country the first-ever gold medal in tennis,
beating Conchita Martinez and Virginia Ruano Pascual from Spain 6-3, 6-3 in the
final at the Olympic Games here on Sunday.
Li/Sun,
seeded No.8 in the Olympic tennis tournament, held a steady mind during the
match against the Spanish veterans, making less unforced errors when playing
long rallies along the baselines.
In spite of serving
many more double faults, the Chinese left no chance for the No.2 seeds to steal
their victory, seizing six out of ten break points opportunities and converting
the match into an overwhelming triumph.
"We had never
thought about it before the Olympics, even beforethis match," said Li Ting,
24-year-old girl from Hubei province.
"We felt so
happy to win the gold, and we will be even better in the next Olympics," said
Sun Tiantian, adding that she wanted to take a good rest now.
However, Sun said that they are going to take part in
the U.S. Open right after the Olympics, but "the Olympic gold means more to us
than the championship of Grand Slams".
Chinese tennis players Li Ting/Sun Tiantian(R) share the victory
smile at the reward podium after winning the women's tennis doubles final by
defeating Spanish players Conchita Martinez/Virginia Ruano Pascual at the Athens
2004 Olympic Games August 22, 2004. (Xinhua Photo/Liu Yu)
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(Editor:Caroline) (From:xinhua)
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