Kitakyushu 2018: Cui Zhe vs. Li Jinyun

The Chinese duel between Cui Zhe and Li Junyun is set for a second chapter at the Asia-Oceania Open Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan, which takes place between 8 and 12 September.

They first faced each other in the women’s up to 41kg at last year’s World Championships in Mexico City, with Cui taking gold and her compatriot claiming bronze.

The 31-year-old lifted 102kg on Mexican soil, 20kg more than Li.

Cui will again start as favourite for gold in Kitakyushu, especially due to her vast experience. She holds three Paralympic silvers, two Worlds medals and an Asian Para Games title.

Li, on the other hand, will be competing at just her first continental competition.

Head to Head

PERSONAL INFO

Cui: Nationality: China. Age: 31

Li: Nationality: China. Age: 26

PARALYMPIC GAMES

Cui: Games: 3 (2008, 2012, 2016)

Medals: 3 (silvers)

Li: Has not yet made her debut at a Paralympic Games

DID YOU KNOW?

Cui: Her decision to become an high performance powerlifter was initially opposed by her parents, who wanted her to study at university and then find a stable job, but relented after seeing her determination

Li: Was encouraged to take up the sport by a coach in 2009

Kitakyushu 2018 will be shown live on http://worldparapowerlifting.com/ and World Para Powerlifting’s Facebook page.

Full results will be available on the official website.