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Published on August 10, 2007

Jiang, who set a Games record of one hour, 33.13 seconds in the last Games, was two minutes slower this time, winning in 1:35.22.

The race began at 6.30am in Ayutthaya, about 60km from Bangkok. The start and finish took place in front of the old Muang district office.

"I'm very happy to win it again," said the title-holder. "I'm quite satisfied with the result although it is not as good as the one in Izmir. Now, I'll focus on my intensive training to get a chance to compete in next year's Beijing Olympics," said Jiang, who is also a member of the Chinese national squad.

After trailing the leading group in the first two laps, Jiang sped up in the third and surged ahead for good. She also won the 20km walk at the recent Asian Championships in Amman, Jordan.

Italy's Lidia Mongelli finished second after clocking 1:37.23, with Belarussian Sniazhana Yurchanka third in 1:37.26.

Seventeen athletes from 12 countries were scheduled to take part in the event, but only 15 crossed the finish line.

Uganda's Joyce Balle Baako did not eventually start the race, while German Maja Landmann was disqualified.

Preechachan   Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

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