Fast learner Lee takes individual pursuit gold

DOHA, Dec 11 (Reuters) South Korea's Lee Min-hye grabbed gold in the Asian Games women's 3,000m individual pursuit today, less than a year after she first began racing over the distance.

Lee beat China's Li Meifang by 1.7 seconds to win the title in a time of 3:44.146, just outside the Asian record she set in Sydney last month.

Lee also won bronze in the individual time trial on the road, with Li taking the gold.

''I only started individual pursuit this year. I'm happy with my progress so far,'' she told reporters.

''I was very nervous beforehand, and I got a great start but it got tough later. My legs hurt so much. I told myself to just keep going.'' Victory was never in doubt after the 21-year-old got off to a flying start and increased the lead on almost every lap.

The South Korean said that although she is still a newcomer she plans to chase New Zealander Sarah Ulmer's world record of 3:24.537, almost 20 seconds faster than her Asian mark.

Silver medallist Li said she could not get back into the race after her opponent's fast start.

''She was better prepared than me and started better,'' she told reporters. ''I couldn't get back into the race after that.'' China's Wang Li beat Malaysian Leow Hoay Sim in the bronze medal race.

South Korea and China lead the gold medal race in track cycling with two each from the five events contested so far. Japan has won one.

REUTERS SAM BD1839