China's Zhou Xia, left, leads Australia's Isis Holt and Britain's Maria Lyle to win the final of the women's 100-meters T35 at the 2020 Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Aug 27, 2021. (EMILIO MORENATTI / AP)

TOKYO - Zhou Xia of China claimed gold in the women's 100m T35 thriller at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on Friday as she set a new world record of 13.00 seconds.

Previous world record holder Isis Holt of Australia finished second, 0.13 seconds shy of the title, while Maria Lyle of Britain bagged bronze.

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"I'm super excited," the newly crowned champion said after winning the first gold medal in athletics for China at the Tokyo Paralympics. "I didn't expect myself to be this fast."

"All my hard work paid off," the 22-year-old said. "I want to thank everyone for their support and I will work harder to fight for my country."

Zhou will also compete in the women's 200m T35 on Sunday.  

Zhou Xia of China, winner of the Women's 100m - T35 final, stands next to the digital screen displaying her new world record at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Aug 27, 2021. (JOEL MARKLUND FOR OIS VIA AP)