Chinese shooter Zhang Cuiping wins 1st gold at London Paralympics

Chinese shooter Zhang Cuiping pocketed home the first gold medal at 500.9 points in the women's R2-10m air rifle standing at the London Paralympic Games here on Thursday.

Zhang, 25, cannoned a new Paralympic record in qualification round at 396 points, taking a 3-point lead over South Korean Kim Im-Yeon's former record which was created 12 years ago.

Zhang rocketed up to break Kim's both final world record and final Paralympic record, firing off an average 10.5 points to top the standings. Athens Paralympics champion Manuela Schmermund of Germanybagged the silver at 493.6 and Natalie Smith from Australia captured the bronze at 492.4.

"It's definitely a career best performance. It felt so good that I didn't want to put down my gun when it's over," laughed Zhang who learned shooting about nine years ago, despite suffering spinal cord injuries due to congenital since three-year-old.

Wrapped up two silvers and one bronze in her debut four years ago, the former tailor looked forward to win more golds with three more events to go at the London Games.

"My family didn't know about my victory yet, but I believe that they will be proud and thrilled," said Zhang who got married in 2009, "To me, marriage means more responsibility. It makes me stronger."

The first London Olympicsgold medal was also taken by a Chinese female shooter named Yi Siling. Zhang watched live broadcast a month ago and appraised Yi as an "inspirational idol".