China’s Xu Lijia won the Olympic Games women’s Laser sailing gold
medal on Monday with Dutchwoman Marit Bouwmeester taking silver and Evi
Van Acker of Belgium winning bronze.

Shanghai-based Xu, 25, added the Olympic title to the world crown she won in 2006.

Van Acker had been fourth in the
overall standings ahead of Monday’s last race in the series, but
snatched bronze from Ireland’s Annalise Murphy.

“I didn’t have a very good start
so tacked to the right – I know where my strengths are. I made the most
of everything today,” said Xu.

“I am proud of the gold,
especially as I’m in Britain, because Britain and European countries are
good and I want to take this experience back to China so more can
experience the beauty of this sailing.”