The four-day China Open Taekwondo Championships concluded on Monday in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province.
The winners of the seniors events earn 10 Olympic points.
A screenshot of China's Gu Jiayu (R) in action. /CCTV5
A screenshot of China's Gu Jiayu (R) in action. /CCTV5
China's Gu Jiayu, who participated in an international competition for the first time, started his Olympic route after clinching gold in the men's 58kg- final.
18-year-old Gu came from 2-0 down to take first round 10-2, then showcased his superior power to defeat South Korea's Kim Min-joon 11-3 in the second round to claim gold.
"The Olympics has always been a dream for me," said Gu who has been practicing Taekwondo for seven years.
China's Tang Hao (L) and Zhao Jiongpu fight in the men's 87kg final during the China Open Taekwondo Championships in Haikou, China, November 27, 2023. /Chinese Taekwondo Association
China's Tang Hao (L) and Zhao Jiongpu fight in the men's 87kg final during the China Open Taekwondo Championships in Haikou, China, November 27, 2023. /Chinese Taekwondo Association
Tang Hao defeated compatriot Zhao Jiongpu 2-0 to clinch the 87kg- gold.
"Confidence is the key to victory," said Tang.
"Tang is always brave when challenging a taller opponent," said Zhao, who is 15cm taller than the 185cm winner. "I learned that in our match, and maybe I could beat him in future."
China Open Taekwondo Championships
Date: November 24-27
Location: Haikou, China
Events:
Day 1: traditional and freestyle poomsae events
Day 2: juniors and youth events
Days 3 and 4: seniors events
Other winners in the seniors events
Men: Wu Kai (87kg+), Chen Jiacheng (54kg-), Chen Cheng (68kg-)
Women: Zhang Sujuan (73kg+), Li Jyu (62kg-), Liu Yiting (73kg-)