China's Hu hails 'lucky' Rio after powerlifting gold

Chinese powerlifter Hu Dandan smashed her own world record to win gold in the women's -45kg division at the Rio Paralympics on Friday.

The 27-year-old lifted 108kg, to break the previous record of 106kg, which she set in Kuala Lumpur in February.

Nigeria's Latifat Tijani took silver with a lift of 106kg and Britain's Zoe Newson claimed bronze with a best effort of 102kg.

A delighted Hu, who had already secured the gold medal before her world record lift, said Rio had become "her lucky place".

"I could not sleep all night yesterday, but I knew I could get a medal and I did," she said. "I really love Rio because it is my lucky place. It is a place that has made my dream come true."

Hu, whose impairment is the result of polio, competed in wheelchair tennis at the Beijing 2008 Games before switching to powerlifting in 2009.

She adapted quickly to her new sport and by 2014 was the Asian Para Games champion in the -45kg category.

Newson also displayed a beaming smile after securing her second consecutive Paralympic Games bronze medal.

"Today I lifted a personal best and to come away with another medal is quite emotional," she said.

"I have to enjoy this for a few months, then I will think about whether to compete in Tokyo." Endit