CHINA has added an ice skater to its impressive list of world champions following 18-year-old Chen Lu's historic performance at the World Figure Skating Championships in Birmingham, England.
Chen, originally from Changchun, in Jilin province, but now a resident of Beijing, skated to music from the film The Last Emperor.
'Now I am happy, the first time for my country,' said Chen, who broke the domination of American and European skaters in the event.
Chen, who withdrew from last year's event with a leg injury, showed the potential that has been evident since she placed third in the 1992 championships in California as a 15-year-old.
She was third again a year later and third once more at the Lillehammer Olympics last year.
Until now, she has been performing for honour, pride and more sporting glory for the nation which dominates women's running, swimming, badminton and table tennis.
Next year, however, she can earn money as well, following a decision at the weekend by the International Skating Union that prize money will be paid in events it sanctions from next season.