Liu Hong competes at the Chinese Race Walk Championships in Taian, Shandong Province on Sept. 20, 2020. [Xinhua/Zhu Zheng]

China's race walk star Liu Hong won women's 20km title at national championships.

BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) — Olympic 20km race walk champion Liu Hong made her season debut on Sunday, beating world champion Yang Jiayu to win the women's title at the 2020 Chinese Race Walk Championships in Taian, Shandong Province.

The 24-year-old Yang took the lead in the first half of the race, yet 33-year-old Liu was in charge of the second half, walking at her own pace and clocking 1:27.48 to cross the finish line first. Yang and Qieyang Shijie ranked second and third respectively.

"I didn't think I was totally ready for the event, but I was happy that I wasn't affected by others and finally made it," said the veteran Liu.

Earlier in the day, Zhaxi Yangben came first in the men's 50km race walk, with the winning mark of 3:52.19. Wang Rui finished second in 3:55.48, followed by Gong Fanglong in 3:59.01.

"I failed to finish the race in three hours and 40 minutes, so it was pity even though I won," said Zhaxi. 

(Source: Xinhua)