Shaikha Maitha puts on spirited show

Beijing: Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum says she wants another shot at her conqueror from the taekwondo competition at the Games.

Shaikha Maitha was yesterday beaten 5-1 by South Korea's double world champion Hwang Kyung-Seon in the first round of the women's 67kg welterweight category.

The UAE competitor said: "I think I performed well for what my background is and my experience," she said. "I've learned a lot and next time I'll try and close the gap between me and her."

Shaikh Maitha, who is the daughter of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said she was "fortunate and privileged" to face the world champion.

Kyung-Seon went on to claim the gold in the discipline.

Shaikha Maitha scored her first Olympic point in an exchange of effective kicks in the first round of the four-round contest.

"I didn't know I scored. I was just concentrating on my opponent," she said.

Head-shot

The Korean also scored a douple-point against Shaikha Maitha with a head-shot.

But Shaikha Maitha was unruffled by the tactic.

"I'm pretty hard headed. It doesn't bother me at all. I'm pretty used to it.

"I'm a tough girl. Don't worry," said the 28-year-old.

She has spent the last 12 months training for the Games and after the bout Shaikha Maitha was confronted by several television crews and a horde of journalists.

Asked about her Olympic debut, she said: "It's a dream and a nightmare at the same time. I couldn't wait until it was going to happen. And now I can't believe it's over."

Kyung-Seon , a fourth-year student at the Korea Sports University, said: "As a princess, it must be very difficult for her to play taekwondo but she keeps training.

"So I have great respect for her."

As Hwang reached the final, where she beat Canada's Karine Sergerie, the world champion in the 59-63kg class, Shaikha Maitha was given a spot in the second-chance round for the bronze medals.

But she was overpowered 4-0 by Croatia's Sandra Saric.

Shaikha Maitha has already made Olympic history in Beijing by becoming the the first Gulf woman to carry her nation's flag at the opening ceremony of the Games.

Karate competition

Shaikha Maitha, who was named the Arab athlete of the year in 2007, plans to take part in the world championships in karate in November.

"I love sports. I love athletes. I love what sportsmanship represents, the value of sports," she said.

"Just win or lose. It's very fair. There's no class, you know. Everyone is equal. You're on your merit."

She said she hoped to be competing when the 2012 London Olympics come around.

"I think, fingers crossed. I'll be old, but I hope so," she said.