Having claimed gold on the vault an hour earlier, Li put in a brilliant swinging routine incorporating a number of impressive handstands to edge out Slovenia's Mitja Petkovsek by just 0.025 of a point.

"In the morning I was struggling with a cold and did not feel great at all but as soon as I stepped into the arena everything felt great," said Li, the only gymnast to leave Debrecen with two gold medals.

"My nerves and aches all just disappeared and suddenly my batteries were completely recharged for the competition. It's a fantastic feeling to have won two gold medals.

"After winning the vault, it was much easier on the parallel bars since the first medal gave a real boost to my confidence."

Li, 21, went into the final as the overwhelming favorite for the parallel bars title following his gold medal winning performance in Sydney two years ago.

Backed by a noisy Chinese contingent, the steely-eyed Li mounted the bars and put in a near flawless performance.

Having completed his display with a solid dismount he cracked a broad grin and punched his fist towards a sea of red and gold Chinese flags fluttering from one end of the hall.

Li is already planning his assault on the Athens Olympics. "I will change both my routines now as I definitely want to get two gold medals in 2004," said the soft-spoken Li who also helped his country win the team gold in Sydney.

Ironically, Runar Alexandersson drew the biggest cheer of all on Sunday despite finishing last to Li.

The Israeli suffered a spectacular fall off the bars and appeared to have dislocated his index finger.

But he pulled the finger back into place and completed his routine to wild applause from the enthusiastic fans.

(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2002)