China harvested hope for the Vancouver Winter Olympics through the big victory at the 6th Asian Winter Games, said Xiao Tian, chef de mission of the Chinese delegation on Saturday.

 

China achieved its best-ever performance in Winter Asiad with 19 gold, 19 silver and 23 bronze medals to top the medal table. Most of the medals came from biathlon, speed skating and short track speed skating.

 

"The important thing is that we gained experiences and confident toward the Vancouver Olympics," said Xiao. "Most of the athletes and coaches have stood the test in this most high leveled winter sports Games in Asia."

 

Wang Fei, who lost to Hozumi Masako of Japan in the 3,000m speed skating event in the World Championships qualifications two weeks ago, rebounded to outrace the same opponent by more than two seconds and took the title.

 

Xiao was also impressed by Xu Binshu, the young women figure skater. "Although she did not win the gold medal, she performed her best," he noted.

 

Xiao also praised veteran Liu Xianying, who became the only triple gold medalist of the Asiad by displaying dominant performances in women's biathlon.

 

The 6th Winter Asian Games is to be officially concluded on Sunday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2007)