Xie Xingfang, top seed in women's singles for the Olympic tournament in Beijing, hoped to be relieved from pressure and tensity at her first and also last Olympic Games.
"I don't want everyone to expect much from me," said the world No. 1 who tied an ice bag to her right shoulder after training at the competition venue on Wednesday.
The draw was tough for the world champion by pitting her against Cheng Shao-Chieh from Chinese Taipei, a world junior champion who defeated Xie in the second round at Indonesia Open last year.
"Every player should be respected because it's the Olympic Games," said the 27-year-old, hoping to be less tense and in top gear on home soil.
According to her boyfriend Lin Dan, top seed in men's singles, it could be her first and also last Olympic Games.
"I hope Xie can try her best and put up a good show," said Lin.
(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)