London, March 7 (IANS): Zhong Tianshi has become China's first world champion in an individual cycling event after beating teammate Lin Junhong in the women's sprint at the Track World Championships here.

The 25-year-old on Sunday was a comfortable winner in both of the final rides, taking the best-of-three series 2-0 to improve upon the bronze she won in the event 12 months ago, reports Xinhua.

Defending champion, Germany's Kristina Vogel, winner of the women's keirin title this week, beat Australian Anna Meares 2-0 in the bronze medal ride.

"I have been waiting for this gold medal for a long time," said a jubilant Zhong.

Zhong lost to Vogel in the semi-finals of last year's worlds but took a sweet revenge Sunday morning to qualify for the final.

She also won the silver medal with teammate Gong Jinjie in the women's team sprint, after being downgraded from gold for an illegal change, handing the title to Russia. 

"I was in better form last year but I lost to myself," she said.

She said she will get herself ready for the Rio Olympic Games back home, trying to making history by becoming China's first cycling Olympic champion.