Former Olympic tennis champion Sun expects breakthrough at National Games

Sun Tiantian, the Athens Olympic women's doubles gold medalist, looks to make breakthrough at the ongoing Chinese National Games on Monday.

The 28-year-old, representing Henan, beat Yin Xianghong of Liaoning 6-1, 6-0 to get an easy win in the opening round of the tennis competition.

Sun said she had made good preparations, and thus her skills and techniques had been improved a lot. She thought her rival served very fast but missed a lot.

Sun, ranked 82nd in the WTA doubles standings, clinched women's doubles title with Li Ting at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

"This is the fourth time I have participated in the National Games, but I still feel excited as at Olympics," Sun said.

"In the past few years, I have got more international experience, and it can make up for my physical weakness."

As she had never won gold at former National Games, Sun expected breakthrough this time. She won a silver in women's doubles at the ninth National Games and a bronze in singles and women's team at the 10th Games.

"I will try to achieve the best results both in singles and in doubles. Now I'm a veteran in my team and I have to set a good example for my young teammates," Sun said.

Speaking of the Asian Games and London Olympics, Sun claimed that she had no plan and target, adding that she would do things well at present.

The tennis tournament is slated for October 19 to 27. A total of 129 players will compete in the events.

Chinese tennis stars Li Na, Peng Shuai, Zheng Jie and Yan Zi will make appearances in the following days.

Source:Xinhua