Advanced Search
Business | Metro | Nation | World | Sports | Features | Specials | Delta Stories
 
 
Chinese gymnastics team aware of Japan's revenge in Asiad
9/11/2006 17:31

Chinese gymnastics team manager warned Chinese gymnasts on Tuesday against Japanese revenge in next month's Asian Games in Doha.

"It's very dangerous for our gymnasts to regard themselves as indisputable number one in the Asiad gymnastics competition," Zhang Peiwen told Xinhua.

Considering Japanese still as strong opponents, he urged the whole team to come back down to earth after their eight-gold glory in the world championships last month in Arhus, Denmark.

"Of course we presented a very good performance in Arhus. We beat Olympic champions Japan for the men's team title, and unfortunately Japanese failed to make a single gold. But that might be the very impetus for them to stage a big comeback," Zhang said.

"They have the strength, the technique and the determination to do so, especially on men's team competition and individual all-around," he added.

Zhang's opinion echoed what Chinese head coach Huang Yubin had said.

Huang contributed their Arhus success to their correct understanding of the new rules, which was first introduced into a world championships in Arhus.

"I think we enjoy the temporary leading position because we studied the new judging system maybe earlier than the other teams and therefore understand it better," Huang said in an interview after returning from Denmark.

"But after the championships, they would learn more about the rules and train better. I believe they would catch up soon." Huang said.

China will send the Arhus lineup to compete in the Asian Games, which will open in Doha, Qatar on December 1.



Xinhua News