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Zhu celebrates birthday in advance with two Asiad golds

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Though his birthday was to come in two days, Beijing Olympic gold medalist Zhu Qinan of China celebrated it in advance by winning two gold medals from men's 10m rifle shooting at Guangzhou Asiad on Saturday.

"I was surprised by the song," said Zhu after enjoying the birthday song at the victory ceremony. "So many friends celebrate my birthday with me. That's amazing."

The two golds came from men's 10m rifle team event and individual event. Zhu, together with teammate Yu Jikang and Cao Yifei, secured China's fourth shooting gold at men's team event with 1784 points. India was one point behind to get the silver, while South Korea took the bronze with 1780 points.

Zhu didn't wait long to harvest his second gold, also in a tortuous process. He came into the final with one-point advantage, but dropped to the second place after five shots. India's Gagan Narang saw a chance of beat Zhu. The kept the hope until the final shot, before which he was 0.6 points behind. However, Narang failed to complete his surpass, scoring a fatal 9.7 to lose the gold.

"If I had had a better shot, I would have won," said disappointed Narang. "I was too hasty on the last shot."

Zhu, who vowed to collect four gold medals at Asiad, thought it wasn't that hard for him to get the first two.

"This is my normal form," said Zhu. "I met a little problem in the qualification, but I overcame it in time."

"Asiad is very important to our team. We prepared a lot for it. Of course there are pressure, but I would rather see it as an opportunity for me."

Zhu became one of China's most famous shooters after claiming gold at 2004 Olympics in Greece, but he lost the chance to defend the title at home in 2008.

"I feel more stable now in the final stage of the match," he said. "After the Asiad, I will begin to prepare for the London Olympics."