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LONDON: Olympic chief Jacques Rogge said Saturday he expected a strong showing from China at the London Games four years after they finished top of the medals table in Beijing.

Rogge looked on as Chinese shooter Yi Siling won the first gold of the 2012 Games at the Royal Artillery Barracks in the women’s 10m air rifle, with compatriot Yu Dan taking bronze.

It was a strong statement of intent from the Chinese, who won a total of 51 golds on home soil in 2008 to beat powerhouse the United States into second place, although the US won more medals overall.

“I think it’s a very good start, a very encouraging start for what will be I believe a very strong showing of the Chinese team here in London,” Rogge told reporters after the end of the competition.

He said he had enjoyed the shooting, adding: “I think it was very well presented. There was a lot of suspense. It’s a matter of tenths of points.

“And the crowd was very knowledgeable and very supportive.” “I will be going to all of the 26 sports on this programme,” said Rogge. “A lot of driving.”