[Asian Games] S. Korea sweeps 3 taekwondo golds

South Korea swept up three taekwondo gold medals at the Asian Games on Wednesday, showcasing its dominance in the traditional Korean martial art.

Kim So-hui triumphed in the women's under-46㎏ division with a

10-4 victory over Chinese Taipei's Lin Wan Ting in the final at Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium on Ganghwa Island, just northwest of Incheon.

Kim, the reigning world title holder in the division, brought the first gold to the host country, which had only picked up one silver and two bronze medals on Tuesday.

After failing to score any points in two of the three two-minute rounds, Kim and Lin each earned one point early in the third round due to a warning by a referee.

Kim soon earned one more point after a successful kick to Lin's body but gave away one point after another warning due to falling down on the mat.

The world champ successfully wrapped up the third round with another kick to Lin's face to earn more points.

In an interview after the game, the 20-year-old Kim talked of injuries she had sustained earlier.

"I hurt my foot, which kept swelling," Kim said, dripping with sweat.

The gold medalist further said she wanted to grab the medal so much because of all the training.

"I want to thank everyone for their support," she said, further thanking her parents.

Kim, who began her taekwondo career at her father's advice in the seventh grade, was given the nickname of "Oxygen Tank" by her colleagues because of her stamina.

Kim had earlier defeated the Philippines' Mary Anjelay Pelaez in 14-2 in the semis to earn her ticket to the final.

Lee Ah-reum also grabbed the gold in the women's under-57㎏

division after defeating Japan's Mayu Hamada 6-4 in the final held at the same venue.

Lee once again conquered Asia after winning the 21st Asian Taekwondo Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, earlier this year.

Lee, who shares a room with gold medalist Kim, said the two roomies had vowed to grab victories in their divisions as the country had failed to grab any gold on Tuesday.

"I feel so good," Lee said. "I believe that I stood on the podium due to the support and love from the coaching staff and my parents."

Jo Chol-ho also won the gold medal in the men's over-87㎏

division, after defeating Uzbekistan's reigning world title holder Dmitriy Shokin 7-6 in the final, becoming South Korea's 50th Asiad gold medalist in taekwondo events.

Jo, who had experienced a slump in form for the past three years due to injuries he had sustained at the Taekwondo Championships in 2011, said the Wednesday fight was neck-and-neck.

"I thought that I could be in trouble," the 23-year-old gold medalist said of the third round, when his competitor caught up 6-6.

Jo, however, clinched the victory at the end of the third round with a successful kick to Shokin's body.

"I want to thank my mom, who watched the game here," Jo said.

Jo had defeated Lebanon's Elias El Hedari 4-0 in the semis to earn his ticket to the final. (Yonhap)