China take gold and Britain silver in rowing quad

By Kate Holton

BEIJING (Reuters) - China stormed to victory in the women's Olympic quad on Lake Shunyi on Sunday, holding off the three-time world champions Britain to take China's first Olympic rowing gold medal.

Roared on by thousands of fans at their home regatta, China rowed through the British in the final 250 metres to raise their hands in delight as they went over the finish.

China had started as favourites in several events at the Olympics after a stunning couple of years but had only picked up a silver until this race.

Germany, who have won this event at every Olympics since it was introduced, finished third. Germany's Kathrin Boron had been hunting her fifth Olympic gold medal.

The Chinese crew cried with delight on the finish line while the British, who won silver in Athens, sat slumped in their boat for some time afterwards.

(Editing by Jon Bramley)