Athens Olympic gold medallists Zhu Qinan and Du Li each claimed gold medal for China on the opening day of the Shooting World Cup in Milan.

The 21-year-old Zhu, who had won a silver medal at last week's world cup meet in Munich, won the men's 10m air rifle event with a score of 700.3.

Zhu tied with Austria's Thomas Farnik with 598 points to start the final in top spot.

After both made unsatisfactory third shots of 8.7 and 8.9, the Chinese athlete outshot his opponent in the higher tens for first place.

Frank Koestel passed Farnik to finish second, securing Germany's place in the 2008 Olympics.

In the women's competition, Du Li beat three arch rivals to win gold in the 10m air rifle event.

The Olympic champion started the final with 399 points, together with Russia's Lioubov Galkina, Germany's Sonja Pfeilschifter and compatriot Zhao Yinghui.

Du's last shot, a 10.1, helped her to the top of the podium with a final score of 501.8.

Lioubov Galkina won the silver, followed by Zhao Yinghui third.

(CRI English?June 1, 2006)