China defended the title of women's 4x100m relay race in 43.84 seconds at the Busan Asian Games on Sunday morning.

Thailand finished second in 44.25 seconds and Uzbekistan came third in 44.32 seconds.

Zeng Xiujun, who held the baton firstly, said after the race,"Ihad a very good start, which encouraged my teammates to run even faster."

Huang Mei, who ran with the baton three, said, "After a brilliant start by Zeng, other runners also kept calm and gave their full play in the race."

Qin Wangping, the final sprinter who was in the lead with several meters, said, "We are the strongest team in today's race, so we are under certain pressure. But it did not have any impact on us."

The Chinese women's team set the Asiad record of 43.36 seconds in the event at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2002)