Zhong becomes Chi's first cycling world champion

London, March 7: Zhong Tianshi has become Chi’s first world champion in an individual cycling event after beating teammate Lin Junhong in the women’s sprint at the Track World Championships here. The 25-year-old on Sunday was a comfortable winner in both of the fil rides, taking the best-of-three series 2-0 to improve upon the bronze she won in the event 12 months ago.

Defending champion, Germany’s Kristi Vogel, winner of the women’s keirin title this week, beat Australian An Meares 2-0 in the bronze medal ride.

Zhong lost to Vogel in the semi-fils of last year’s worlds but took a sweet revenge Sunday morning to qualify for the fil.

She also won the silver medal with teammate Gong Jinjie in the women’s team sprint, after being downgraded from gold for an illegal change, handing the title to Russia.

She said she will get herself ready for the Rio Olympic Games back home, trying to making history by becoming Chi’s first cycling Olympic champion. IANS