Chen Zhonglan of China snatches the first gold in women's 100m freestyle S8 functional at the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC Games) held in Kuala Lumpur,capital of Malaysia November 26,2006.[Xinhua]

After China's hope of winning the very first gold medal at the Games was dashed in men's 5,000m T54 Wheelchair as Wahoram Prawat of Thailand took the upper hand, China began its haul of golds.

Chen Zhonglan, China's first gold winner in women's 100m freestyle S8 functional, showed her strong competitiveness, leading the way to the finish and clocking a time of 1:14.89.

"I felt a little bit nervous," she said, "but I am very happy about the result."

Chen achieved her personal best in the discipline, which has improved the national record by two seconds.

Chen was recruited to the national team in 2003 and participated in her first international competition in Berlin World Swimming Open this year and broke two FESPIC Games records.

China netted 35 golds, 12 silvers and five bronzes, taking the top spot on the medal tally, followed by Iran and Malaysia.

China still maintained its domination in athletics and swimming with 21 golds and nine golds respectively.

Shen Zhifei, vice director-general of China's Disabled Persons' Federation, said: "China keeps its power in its strong events and makes progress in its weak events, but encounters some challenges as west Asian countries and regions joined the FESPIC family. For instance, Paralympic wheelchair basketball champion Iran forms a threat to us."