Results on the opening day of the powerlifting competition yesterday were satisfying for world record breakers and back markers alike.

Ukraine's Lidiya Solovyova repeated her stunning performance in Athens and broke her existing record of 105kg by 0.5kg in the women's 40kg category at the Beijing Aeronautic and Astronautic University Gymnasium. The Ukrainian opened well in her first attempt of 95kg, before failing twice at 100kg.

But the defending champ was quick to readjust, nailing her third and final attempt, which created a new world record.

"I am satisfied with my performance today but I could still do better," she said.

China's Cui Zhe and Mexican Laura Cerero won the silver and bronze medals in this category.

The other new world record holder was Nigerian veteran Ruel Ishaku, who won gold in the men's 48kg category with an astonishing lift of 169kg. The silver and bronze medals were awarded to Jordan's Omar Qarada and Laos' Eay Simay.

The third gold medal was won by China's Xiao Cuijuan, who dominated the women's 48kg throughout her three attempts.

The silver and bronze in this division went to Justyna Kozdryk from Poland and Sayed Zeinab Oteify from Egypt.