PARALYMPICS:Ireland's Jason Smyth set a new world record on his way to claiming 100m gold in the Bird's Nest Stadium this morning. Competing in the T13 Vision Impaired category, the Derry sprinter left the field in his wake as he ran a time of 10.32 seconds.
It was his second record of the day after he had earlier set the standard at 10.81 when winning the semi-final.
"I'm thrilled, it's awesome. I've put in so much work, it's all gone so well. To break my own world record twice in one day I knew it was there, it was just a matter of coming out and doing it on the big occasion, and I'm so pleased I did."
Smyth, who is the current world champion and record holder at 200m, can make it a double at the Games when he runs in that event which starts on Monday.
He is the second Irish gold medalist after his roommate Michael McKillop won 800m (T37) gold on Wednesday night.
Speaking afterwards, Smyth's coach Stephen Maguire said: "Jason had a super run, held himself superbly all day together all day. He put a marker down this morning, we knew by the reaction of the other athletes; he was the man to beat.
"Although he doesn't show it there was obviously a fair bit of pressure there. He didn't have the fastest start in the world but from 20 to 100 metres he absolutely nailed it.
"It's absolutely brilliant to break a world record twice in one day, to clock 10.62 is more than we could ask. There's ninety one thousand people here, to run close to your PB with a false start and all that pressure is tremendous. It's just magic and he so deserves this."
Elsewhere, there was frustration for two Irish cyclists competing in the final of the men's road race at the Ming's Tomb Reservoir venue.
Dubliner Cathal Miller, who was competing in the LC1 class, enjoyed a promising start but was dealt a killer blow on the third lap of six when a punctured rear tyre damaged the rim of his wheel and forced his retirement.
"I'm gutted, it's so frustrating because I know I was suffering and my legs were tired yesterday, but they really felt good today; they felt great out there," he said following his withdrawal.
"That makes it all the worse. I was where I wanted to be at that point and felt great. It is not the way I want to finish my campaign but I can't complain about the effort; there was nothing wrong with that. It was unlucky and it's just the way it goes unfortunately."
In the CP4 Class Enda Smyth also started well but found conditions tough and withdrew having given all he could in yesterday's time trial.
At Qindao, the Sonar crew led by Paul McCarthy finished ninth overall after coming 11th in both races today.
The Skud crew of Amy Kelehan and John Twomey finished was an overall 10th.
Speaking from Qingdao, Irish Team Manager Denis Kiely said: "This fleet was of the highest standard with any one of the top five boats capable of winning gold. The standard of sailing was exceptional. Paul and his crew had expectations of finishing in a higher position but it wasn't to be.
Kiely continued: "Amy and John in the Skud were happy with their performance during this regatta, they met their expectations. It was a fantastic experience that will stand to them all as they move forward."
In the table tennis doubles Eimear Breathnach and Kathleen Reynolds lost their quarter-final against France 3-1.
"I am happier with my performance compared to my singles campaign, but still disappointed to lose," said first time Paralmypian Eimear Breathnach.
Reynolds added: "It was always difficult for us against the world number three team. We did our best but unfortunately it wasn't good enough."