Chinese Lin Fan claimed the first gold at the 9th World Wushu Championships in Beijing on Monday.

Lin, 20, the only Chinese in the 30 players taking part in the women's Nanquan, scored 9.83 to win the gold.

"I don't think it was difficult to get the gold medal, "said Lin, also the winner of China's National Championships in 2006.

"I think I displayed my real ability."

"It is the first time I take part in World Championships and I don't quite know my rivals," said the 20-year-old. "But I know that Chinese athletes have some advantage, since Wushu originated from here."

Lin Diana Bong Siong of Malaysia took the silver in 9.67, while Lao Sum Yin of Hong Kong, China finished third in 9.42.

In men's Nangun, Chinese Zhou Jing won the gold by scoring 9.80, 0.22 point more than the silver medalist Stanislav Galkin of Russia.

Farshad Arabi of Iran took the bronze in 9.55.

"I am kind of proud," said Zhou, 28, winner of the event in National Championships in 2004.

"I'm quite nervous since it's my first time to take part in the World Championships, but I did a good job today."

"To be a world champion is always my dream, and now it comes true," said the 28-year-old.

Pui Fook Chien of Malaysia, winner of the event in the 8th World Championships in 2005, only finished sixth in 9.45.

Hei Zhihong of Hong Kong, China claimed gold in men's Qiangshu in 9.58, while his teammate Liu Yang took the silver in 9.55. The bronze went to Lim Yew Fai of Malaysia with 9.51.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2007)