Iranian Hadi Bonehkohal claimed the men's 68kg taekwondo title at the Athens Olympics on August 27, edging Huang Chih Hsiung from Chinese Taipei 4-3 in the final.

Bonehkohal, 28, bronze medalist at the Sydney Olympics, tied Huang, 28, also bronze medalist in Sydney but in the 58kg class, 1- 1 in the first round.

Bonehkohal, who is taller than Huang, used long-distance attacking tactics effectively in the second round and took the lead 3-2.

The third round saw a tough battle between the two. The Iranian earned three points but lost two for receiving four kyongos. Huang got one point but that was not enough for a win or even a tie.

Huang, gold medalist at the 2003 world championships in 62kg class, failed to complete a hat-trick for Chinese Taipei which had swept the two taekwondo golds up for grab here on Thursday.

Bonehkohal lied down on the mat to celebrate his win and the first gold medal for the Iranian Taekwondo team in Athens.

Song Myeong Seob from South Korea beat Diogo Silva from Brazil 12-7 to take the bronze medal.

Liu Jingwen, the Chinese Taipei taekwondo team coach said, "all the four athletes from Chinese Taipei performed well in Athens, collecting altogether two golds and one silver. I am very happy with the results.

"They all worked very hard. They deserved the wins." Liu added.