Host China, Russia, the Philippines and Japan carved up four gold medals in the second day of 9th world wushu championships on Tuesday.

The first gold of the day came from the women's Changquan (long fist) field. Daria Tarasova, the bronze medalist of the women's Gunshu (stick play) one day earlier, claimed Russia the first title in 9.50 points .

Russia's Daria Tarasova competes during the final of the women's Changquan competition at the "Good Luck, Beijing" 9th World Wushu Championships in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2007.

"I love Wushu and I am quite confident as our national team is becoming stronger and stronger," said the beaming 19-year-old Russian.

Xi Chengqing from China's Macao took the silver in 9.42 and Weng Xiaoling of China's Hong Kong finished third with 9.40 points.

In another field, Yoshihiro Shimoda of Japan survived the breathtaking competition to take the men's Taijijian (shadow sword) with a score of 9.50 points, bettering the runner-up Lee Jae-Hyung of South Korea by 0.01 points.

While Hei Zhihong from China's Hong Kong took the bronze in 9.47.

Japan's Yoshihiro Shimoda competes during the men's Taijijian competition.

"It's incredible that I won the gold," said the pleasantly surprised Japanese, adding that he will prepare for next event seriously.

"I'll forget about today's achievement and go all out for tomorrow's Taijiquan (shadowboxing)."

In other two events of taolu (routines) the night, China's Cui Wenjuan grabbed the women's Taijijian with 9.80 points, followed by Fan Manyun from Chinese Taipei in 9.56 and Japan's Miyaoka Ai in 9.57.

The last gold of the day went to Willy R.Wang of the Philippines in 9.57. The silver and bronze medals were notched by Heriyanto from Indonesia and Japan's Matsuura Arata.

On medals table, China remained atop with 6 golds. China's Hong Kong stood second with 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronzes, followed by Russia with 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze each and Japan with 1 gold and 2 bronzes.

Wushu, also known as Kungfu or martial arts, is now an increasingly popular sport around the world.

The 9th championship has attracted nearly 1000 athletes from 89 countries and regions, the most ever in the tournament.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2007)