Asian Games: Japan`s surprise package sets sights on gold
Japan`s Shotaro Shirai has set his sights on robbing Chinese gymnastics superstar Zou Kai of gold in the Asian Games individual floor routine after sensationally outdoing the five-time Olympic gold medallist in the team event.
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Incheon: Japan`s Shotaro Shirai has set his sights on robbing Chinese gymnastics superstar Zou Kai of gold in the Asian Games individual floor routine after sensationally outdoing the five-time Olympic gold medallist in the team event.
Shirai`s turn helped Japan to gold as a patchy China were beaten into third place by hosts South Korea on Sunday.
Now the 23-year-old -- a relative veteran in the world of gymnastics -- has Wednesday`s individual floor gold medal in his crosshairs.
Asked after his team performance if he was now aiming for victory in the individual event, he said: "Yes. As long as I focus on my performance, I believe the results will come along naturally, so I will do my best to concentrate on my job."
Japan, silver medallists behind China at the 2012 Olympics but without a single member of that team present, were impressive in their consistency and showed real class on the pommel and high bar.
Like several other top Japanese gymnasts, Shirai`s brother Kenzo, the floor world champion, is missing Incheon to concentrate on the world championships in Nanning, China, from October 3.