World Games final torchbearer Xu wins women's wakeboard gold

Chinese athlete Xu Lu earned top honors at the World Games by claiming gold in the women's wakeboard freestyle final. She was joined on the podium by Italian runner-up Alice Virag and Argentina's third-place finisher Eugenia De Armas.

Sichuan native Xu had previously showcased her talent on the water by earning a spot in the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, but had to withdraw due to injury. She bounced back to qualify for this edition in Chengdu as well, and joined compatriot Alu Xiaobo in riding waves generated by a motorboat, before lighting the spout-shaped cauldron with stunt-like moves at the opening ceremony last Thursday. Xu then followed up that dramatic moment by soaring to the title in her signature event.