Maryam Jamal of Bahrain defended the reputation of Berlin world champions by claiming title from women's 1500m race at Guangzhou Asiad on Tuesday.

Before Jamal's victory, two of the three 2009 world champions competing in Guangzhou had already lost. Under the pressure, Jamal seized the chance with a 4:08.22 performance.

"I had a very good race today," said the 26-year-old. "I'm also satisfied with the result."

Truong Thanh Hang of Vietnam and Jamal's teammate Mimi Belete Gebregeiorges took home the silver and bronze respectively.

Jamal was born in Ethiopia, an area famous for distance runners. Then she chose to compete for Bahrain in 2006, and got two golds at Doha Asian Games.

"I am from Africa, but I felt very good for competing on Asian stage," said Jamal. "The main point is the importance of training, but not where you are from."

Truong, who won her first medal in Asia, seemed even more excited than the champion.

"I tried my best to show my best, and I was very confident," said Truong.

(Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2010)