"It is so surprising," said Sun Shengwei, head coach of the Chinese shotgun team, "Shotgun event has never produced the first gold medal of a comprehensive meet."

According to the previous schedule, the qualification round of the men's 10m air rifle would be finished at 9:45 on Dec. 2, the first competition day after the opening ceremony.

And the Chinese delegation has pinned its first gold medal hope on the men, including Olympic champion Zhu Qinan, runner-up Li Jieand Liu Tianyou, silver medalist of World Cup final.

However, the qualification was re-scheduled to two relays due to more entries, thus the estimated finishing time has been delayed to 12:00, half of an hour later than that of the qualification round of the women's trap.

"It is really a heavy obligation," said Sun. "But it is also a good opportunity for us. I am even a little bit exciting now."

The Chinese veteran trio of Chen Li, World Championship silver medalist, Wang Yujin, former Asian champion and Zhu Mei, winner of the World Cup Kerrville, is one of the favorites to win the very first gold medal of the Games.

"They are all in good condition," said Sun, citing Japan's teamas their biggest threat.

"However, we have never lost to them in the team event," he added.