INTENSE TRAINING

The Chinese shooting team has started a 20-day training in Yantai of the eastern Shandong Province.

"They have been relaxed since the end of May, and didn't even touch guns during the period," said Xiao Haopeng, the team leader.

"Hopefully the new place could enhance their interest in training and improve both skills and form," he said, noting that in shooting, psychological condition sometimes could be more important.

The Chinese table tennis team has just released the names of the Olympic team. Ma Lin, Wang Hao and Wang Liqin will play for the men's team, while Guo Yue, Zhang Yining and Wang Nan play for the women's.

Wang Nan and Wang Liqin, both gold medallists at the Sydney Olympics , are not in good shape at present, said Liu Guoliang, head coach of the team.

The team will start a 36-day training on the coming Saturday, before a two-day warm-up contest at the end of July, he added.

Liu Xiang is engaged in his final preparation.

"Everybody hopes Liu will win again. That puts him under great pressure," said Feng Shuyong, head coach of the Chinese track and field team.

"I will do my best and remain cool-headed," said Liu Xiang.

"Yao Ming told me to treat the Olympic Games as daily life and not to be nervous," he added.

Yao, the Houston Rockets center, missed the remainder of the season after suffering a broken left ankle at the beginning of this year, plans to return in at the end of June to go through training with the Chinese basketball team.

He is currently receiving training in Houston, four hours a day and six days a week.

"What I need to practice now is moving as I do in real competitions," he said.