Shanghai Daily news

China is determined to reclaim the men's singles trophy at the forthcoming World Table Tennis Championship in Shanghai, the national team's chief coach Cai Zhenhua said yesterday.
"The priority is to retake the men's singles crown at any cost," said Cai, who was attending the launch of the WTTC organizing committee in Shanghai.
"We are fully aware that the fans won't accept another staggering display for the most coveted title in the sport, particularly on home turf. Table tennis may be just a sport in other parts of the world, but it is the national pride in China."
Table tennis has strong roots in China since the national team achieved big successes in the 1960s. But despite the traditional dominance of the sport - China has collected 95 gold medals in premium international tournaments over the years - the past two major men's titles slipped away from them.
Aging austrian star Werner Schlager stunned enthusiasts of the sport when he walked away with the 2003 world title in Paris after seeing off Chinese aces Wang Liqin and Kong Linghui.
Ma lin, the other Chinese hopeful in France, was stumped by South Korean Joo Se-hyuk, who eventually fell to Schlager.
At the Athens Olympics last year, Wang Hao lost to Ryu Seung-min of South Korea in the final.
The last time a Chinese men won a major singles title was in 2001, when Wang Liqin, a Shanghai native, triumphed at the world championship in Japan.
"We're expecting a fanatical crowd to root for us, which could work both ways - it could inspire us or put extra pressure on us," said Cai. "So the final phase of our preparation will center around improving the players mentally."
Cai has been holding an intensive training camp in the southeast port city of Xiamen.
Paddlers from up to 200 countries will battle it out at the premier event from April 30 to May 6 at Shanghai Grand Stage.
China has not yet announced its squad for the championship.
Ma, Wang Liqin and Wang Hao are likely to lead the Chinese charge for the men's title. But they will have to overcome the likes of Schlager, Ryu, Germany's Boll Timo and Chuan Chih-Yuan of Chinese Taipei before they see any signs of success.