Zhang Ning wins China first badminton gold at Olympics

Zhang Ning, No.2 seed from China won the first gold for the Chinese badminton team by beating Mia Audina of the Netherlands 8-11, 11-6, 11-7 in the women's singles final match of the Olympic badminton tournament.

Mia, the former Indonesian genius who crushed top seed Gong Ruina in the semi-final with a humiliating 11-4, 11-2 win, regained her best form in the first set, pressing Zhang Ning to make consecutive errors in the end of the the first set, and won the first set 11-8.

World champion Zhang Ning, however, didn't feel distressed after losing the first set, and recollected all her efforts to fight back, finishing the second set 11-6 with a serve point.

In the third set, Mia, annoyed by two judgements of linemen and a yellow card from the umpire, started to make more and more errors, handing over the Olympic gold to Zhang 7-11.

"I feel very happy to win the gold at the age of 29," said Zhang, adding that she would like to attribute her success to her coaches.

Asked about her future plan, the veteran said she didn't think that far. "I only long to have a vacation," claimed Zhang with relief.

Mia, No.4 seed in the tournament who was satisfied with the silver medal in Atlanta, admitted that she was a little disappointed right after the match.

"However, I feel better and better, as to earn a medal in the Olympics is quite difficult, and I'm satisfied with it," said Mia.