Phan Thi Ha Thanh. — Photo tienphong

HA NOI (VNS) — Phan Thi Ha Thanh won a gold medal in the World Cup in Varna, Bulgaria, in the women's beam yesterday.

Hai Phong-born Thanh ranked second, with 13.750 points in the qualifying round, behind IIaria Kaeslin of Switzerland. But in the final she defeated seven strong rivals to win the gold medal with 14.200 points.

The silver medal went to Kim Un Hyang of North Korea with 13.867 points, and the bronze medal was awarded to Kaeslin of Switzerland with 13.850 points.

Thanh is a leading contender in Vietnamese gymnastics. She previously won four Asian gold medals and two world gold medals and is expected to bring home at least three golds at the coming 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore next month.

In the men's vault, Le Thanh Tung won a bronze medal with 14.700 points.

Viet Nam sent nine gymnasts to the Cup, which will finish today. — VNS