China's Wang Mingjuan broke two world records in the women's 48kg category, and made a clean sweep on the opening day of the world weightlifting championships in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. 

This was a repeat of Wang's successes at the last two world championships in 2002 and 2003.

"I felt quite good today but I never expected I would succeed in all six attempts and break the world records. I am so happy now," Wang told Xinhua.

Pensiri Saelaw of Thailand won the silver with her total lift of 198kg. Her compatriot, Aree Wiratthaworn, took the bronze by hoisting 193kg.

Wang took the gold medal in the snatch competition with a lift of 95kg, but failed to break any records.

However, the 20-year-old jerked 118kg in her last attempt to lift a total of 213kg, breaking both jerk (by 1kg) and total weight (by 3kg) world records.

The previous world records were held respectively by China's Yang Lian (117kg), and Nurcan Taylan of Turkey (210kg).

Wang's left knee was severely hurt when competing in the world championships in 2003 and she missed the Athens Olympics because of the injury.

"This victory was so important to me because I really needed proof that I had recovered from the injury," she said.

"I am confident of my place in the Beijing Olympics in 2008," she added.

Later on Wednesday, Wang Shiyuan of Chinese Taipei won the gold medal in the men's 56kg category competition, beating South Korea's Lee Jong-hoon by one kilogram.

The 29-year-old veteran lifted 125kg in the snatch and jerked 156kg to claim his first gold in an international competition with a total of 281kg.

He edged out Lee, and Huang Anhtuan of Vietnam who took the bronze with 279kg.

"I considered switching to the 62kg class because of my age, but this gold medal has boosted my confidence and I will stay in the 56kg category," Wang said.

The International Weightlifting Federation introduced the new one-kilo rule in May when barbell 2.5kg increments for competition, and 0.5kg increments for the records were replaced by the new and universal standard of 1kg multiples.

The world championships have attracted 192 strongmen and 115 strong women from 74 countries. Prize money stands at US$3,000 for gold medallists, and US$10,000 for world-record breakers.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2005)