Qiu Hongxia of China put away 128kg to rewrite the world record at the World Weightlifting Championships here on Monday as she clinched the gold medal at the women's 53kg.

Leading both in the snatch and jerk, Qiu managed to jerk 128kg in her third lift to break the world record of the kind, which was made by her compatriot Li Xuejiu at 127kg. Her total result of 226kg also smashed the world record of 225kg by her compatriot Yang Xia.

"My first goal was to win the gold medal and the second was to break the world record," Qiu said after the match.

"It was a pity I didn't break the snatch world record."

The 24-year-old Qiu attempted a world record in the snatch on her third attempt, but missed it.

"I want to call my coach first to tell him this good news. He is staying at home and waiting for my phone call," Qiu added.

Raema Lisa Rumbewas of Indonesia missed the jerk twice on 115 and taking it to the edge of the platform on her third, finally jerked 115kg to take the silver with a total of 210kg. Suda Chaleephay of Thailand, world junior champion this year, settled with the bronze at 207kg.

"The weather here is exactly the same with Thailand, so I feel comfortable to compete here," Chaleephay said.

The Olympic champion Shi Zhiyong of China failed to win his second world champion in a row as Vencelas Dabaya of France took the gold at 332kg of total, 5kg more than Shi's.

"I am quite excited about the gold and it is really a surprise to me," the bronze medalist in Doha Dabaya said.

"When you compete in the worlds, it is so common to win or lose. I lost the gold medal this time, but it is OK," Shi said.

"I've got a waist injury in summer and went back training just one month ago. I am quite satisfied with the result here," Shi added.

Demir Demirev of Bulgaria took the bronze at a total of 318kg.

(Xinhua News Agency October 3, 2006)