CHINA’S Jiang Ranxin and Pang Wei yesterday survived a stiff challenge from Vitalina Batsarashkina and Artem Chernousov of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), winning the Tokyo Olympics gold medal in the 10m mixed team air pistol final at the Asaka Shooting Range.

It went down to the wire, too, with China breaking a 14-14 deadlock with its final turn at the target.

The bronze went to Ukraine’s Olena Kostevych and Oleh Omelchuck, who defeated Zorana Arunovic and Damar Mikec of Slovakia, 16-12.

Despite ranking first in the second-stage qualifying, Pang/Jiang had an uncharacteristic slow start in the final and fell behind 4-0 and then 8-4. But the pair quickly regained their composure and staged an impressive comeback.

“I’m so excited because after winning the gold in 2008, I really want to prove myself again,” said Pang.

Pang also praised his 21-year-old shooting partner Jiang, who has a maturity and calmness that belie her age. “My teammate is utterly amazing!” he said. (SD-Agencies)