CHINESE ATHLETES EYEING FIRST GOLD

With the Beijing Olympic Games around the corner, eager Chinese are crossing fingers for a gold spree on home soil. Du Li, a gold medal winner in the women's 10-meter air rifle at the 2004 Athens Ol ympics, bears the expectation of millions to score the Game's first win.

The 26-year-old, who established a new world record for women's 10-meter air rifle in 2003 just one year after she entered the national team, further impressed the world the following year with her Athens victory.

However, the native of the eastern Shandong Province has struggled of late.

During three World Cup events this year, Du pocketed only one gold medal in the 50-meter rifle three positions, rather than in her speciality event, the 10-meter air rifle. Her second best result was a fourth.

The so-called home advantage at the upcoming Games may turn into a disadvantage for Du in defending as applause and spectators' cheers might add burden in a sport where psychological stability is most important.

Despite the difficulties, Du is eager for a good result. "Maybe this is the only chance for me to compete in the Olympic Games hosted by my own country."

Wang Yifu, the national shooting team head coach, said, "The main focus of the shooters at this point of time is the adjustment of their psychological status rather than refining technical skills."

Du and her teammates will leave for the Olympic Village on August 3.

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