Chinese super heavy (+91 kg) boxer Zhang Zhilei checked into the semifinals at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Monday, achieving a breakthrough for China in the event.

He crushed Ruslan Myrsatayev from Kazakhstan at 12-2, securing at least a medal in the event. Previously, China's best boxing result at Olympic Games was the bronze medal won by light flyweight boxer Zou Shiming at the Athens Games.

A bronze medalist at last year's World Championships, Zhang has a long arm span of 2 meters, making him easier to get points and more difficult to be punched by the 1.85-meter-tall Myrsatayev.

Zhang knocked his rival to the floor twice during the competition.

"I am more flexible than my opponent tonight," said Zhang.

Zhang said he learned from the boxing legend Muhammad Ali on footwork, which proved to be effective.

Myrsatayev, 23, broke into tears after the bitter defeat.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2008)