Li happy with silver as wushu breaks new ground

It was no walk in the park for wushu exponent Li Fai yesterday. The Hong Kong tai chi star had to settle for silver after a silky performance from Myanmar's Khaing Khaing Maw gave the country its first gold medal at the 14th Asian Games.

China's policy of 'encouraging' other countries to take a step forward in the long march to developing wushu received a huge shot in the arm with Maw's victory in the taijiquan event. 'China wishes other countries to win so as to encourage the development of wushu in those countries. I knew I had no chance of overtaking the girl from Myanmar and winning. But I'm happy to win the silver as this is my first medal at the Asian Games,' Li said.

A high-ranking Chinese wushu official admitted that his country was more than happy to see lesser-ranked nations win. 'It does not matter if we are champions or not. If other countries win, it is a victory for wushu,' said Jie Li manager of the Chinese squad.

China are taking a pragmatic long-term view. They want wushu to be included at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. A decision is expected to be made by the IOC next month. The more diverse the results in Pusan, the more credibility attached to the argument that wushu has a large number of countries who can be competitive at the highest level.

'If China was to win the gold medal all the time, wushu would not be popular amongst other countries. We want wushu to be in the 2008 Olympics as it is a sport which embodies the true Chinese culture. Wushu can join the East and the West and it will be good for the Olympics and world peace,' Jie said.

Making a comeback after more than a decade of missing competitive wushu - due to marriage followed by the birth of daughter Emily - the 33-year-old Li began the second and final round yesterday in third position. She trailed Maw by 0.05 points and Singapore's Liew Yin Yin by 0.01 points.

Pretty in pink, Li looked composed as she began her five-minute routine with the sword - the short weapon - where competitors are judged on power, co-ordination, rhythm, style and the quality of movements. This latter aspect is most important for the five judges.