China's Zhou Lijun (left) fights against Britain's Jade Jones during the 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series in Wuxi on Dec 19. [Photo/Xinhua]
The second day of the 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series, held in Wuxi on Dec 19, saw China win its first gold medal.
China's Zhou Lijun overcame Britain's Jade Jones 2:1 to secure the first gold medal for the hosts. They are both last year's W-57kg finalists. Jones had gone into the final in good form having won her previous two matches 2:0, but Zhou proved too strong.
Zhou Lijun from China celebrates winning against Jade Jones from Britain in the W-57kg final during the 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series in Wuxi on Dec 19. [Photo/Xinhua]
The next day witnessed the end of the 2019 edition, and also the third staging of the World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series.
A total of eight athletes qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for their impressive performances after fierce competitions with the world's best athletes.
South Korea proved their strength in taekwondo once again, clinching top spot in the medal standings, with a total of four gold medals.
As the first Olympic Qualifier to be permanently held in China, the event first took place in 2017 and has been held in Wuxi every year. Wuxi Mayor Huang Qin attended the awarding ceremony on the last day.
According to officials, Wuxi has been building its brand of "sports city" thanks to the success of many international sports competitions. Wuxi will host the 2021 World Taekwondo Championships which will continue to promote the development of taekwondo in the city.
