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 CHN/CHINA
After its 2003 double of winning
the World Cup and the World Grand Prix, China is not
only a strong bet to make the top six but will
settle for nothing less than first place at the
Athens Olympics, to add to its three previous
Olympic medals (gold in 1984, silver in 1996, bronze
in 1988), its two World Championship titles (1982,
1986), and its three World Cup titles (1981,1985,
and 2003).
China is the team to fear in the world of women’s
Volleyball at the moment. Not only is the Asian
superpower ranked as the best on the FIVB world
ranking list, these tremendously talented ladies are
also Asian Champions. Thus, having gained so many
successes in top competitions over the past few
years, there is little else but gold on the minds of
the Chinese players ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games.
In an ominous sign for all opposing teams, the
Chinese women’s team is going through a rebuilding
phase with a side composed of many young and
talented players, who have brought a new and dynamic
style to their play. It worked wonderfully in 2003
at the World Grand Prix and World Cup and now they
are hoping to do the same in 2004 at the Olympic
Games.
Players like team captain Feng Kun, Chen Jing and
196 cm Zhao Ruirui are becoming more and more
experienced and increasingly dominant on the
international scene. Their combination in the 2003
World Cup and 2003 World Grand Prix was exhilarating
and has laid the foundation for some of China’s
superb results.
Under coach Chen Zhonghe, China is currently trying
to build a team with distinguished characteristics
on the basis of overall abilities for offence and
defense and judging by current results he’s doing an
excellent job. Feng is the conductor of the side,
masterminding attacks from the setter position, and
don’t be surprised to see her play another leading
role in China’s efforts to win only their second
Olympic gold medal. Having won at their first Games
appearance in 1984, bronze in 1988 and silver in
1996 have made it a good return from five Olympic
starts for China. |
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Scorers