ZHENG GIVES CHINA FIRST SINGLES GOLD

Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to win Olympic tennis singles gold when she defeated Croatia's Donna Vekic on Saturday, hailing her victory as a "proud" moment for herself and her country.

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The 21-year-old came through 6-2, 6-3, winning only China's second-ever tennis gold after Li Ting and Sun Tiantian's women's doubles triumph at Athens in 2004.

Zheng's victory came on the same Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros where in 2011 celebrated compatriot Li Na became China's first Grand Slam champion in a landmark moment for the sport.

"Nothing can describe my emotion, every round was super difficult and I did everything I could to get a medal for my country," said Zheng, who has improved on the Olympic record of Li, whose best performance was a fourth place in Beijing in 2008.

"I feel my country will be proud of me, I'm proud of myself. My family are at home, I'm sure they are screaming at the TV.