VANCOUVER (British Columbia) Nov 20: China’s Chunhong Liu eclipsed her own world record at the World Weightlifting Championships, beating the previous mark on two lifts, including snatching 120 kilograms (264 pounds) on her third attempt.

The 18-year-old Liu beat her previous mark of 117.5 kilograms (258.5 pounds) set earlier this year, lifting 118 kg (259.6 pounds) on her second try and two minutes later breaking that mark.

The lift is also a world junior record.

In the men’s division, four Greeks who were expected to win medals in the heavyweight division will not compete.

Pyrros Dimas and Akakios Kakhiasvilis, didn’t make the trip, and Leonidas Sabanis and George Tzelilis were sent home Friday, the opening day of the championships.

George Narkoulias and Christina Iwannidov stayed home as well.

Coach Christos Lakwrov said all six were experiencing back pain, and letting them compete “was too risky.”

Countries must qualify for the 2004 Olympics at the world championships, but Greece, as the host nation, does not.

Georgi Gardev’s knee buckled on his third snatch attempt at 85 kg (187 pounds), and the Bulgarian was taken to the hospital with the seventh major injury in six days of competition.

The extent of Gardev’s injury was not immediately known.—AP