Zhang Haidong and Cai Huichao earned two more gold medals for China in powerlifting at the Beijing Paralympics on Monday to raise the host's medal haul to 12 in the sport.

Zhang, a four-time Paralympian, successfully delivered lifts of 225kg and 230kg in his first two attempts but fell short of expectations of breaking his own world record as he tried in vain to lift 249kg in third attempt.

Pavlos Mamalos of Greece lifted 225kg to take the silver, while Thaer Al-ali of Iraq had bronze with 222.5kg.

"I'm not satisfied with the result. I didn't break the world record," Zhang said.

"I am still thirsty to break the world record," added the 39-year-old veteran.

Zhang, who started powerlifing at the age of 18, made his Paralympic debut at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, where he claimed gold in the men's 67.5kg category. He also won the 75kg category at both Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

Cai lifted 235kg to snatch the men's 90kg title, while South Korea's Park Jongchui, Cai's strongest rival in the category, had unsuccessful lifts in all his three attempts.

Nohammed K. Khalaf of the United Arab Emirates grabbed the silver on 227kg, while the bronze went to Ryszard Rogala of Poland on 215kg.

Cai, 25, made good lifts of 230kg and 235kg. He tried to lift 245kg in his last attempt, but failed.

China now leads the medal standings with eight golds, two silvers and two bronzes.

Men's 100kg and over 100kg categories are scheduled for Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2008)