Chinese arrive in Moscow for table tennis team worlds
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Chinese table tennis team started its competition journey for the 50th world team championships, as the squad arrived in Moscow on Thursday.
The men's team, composed of Zhang Jike, Xu Xin, Ma Long, Wang Hao and Ma Lin, will compete with teams from Russia, Greece, France, Poland and Italy; while the women's team will face players from Austria, Poland, Italy, Croatia and England.
Liu Guoliang, the head coach of Chinese men's team, told Xinhua that the team was ready for the possible difficulties during the games.
"Unexpected hardship can be encountered in any contest, but this time Chinese table tennis team has prepared for the possible difficulties," Liu said.
"There are many young faces in the team this time, which may bring some uncertainties to the game result. But at the same time, it can also help us build a stronger team for the 2010 London Olympics," he added.
As Liu stressed the aim of team training, Shi Zhihao, the head coach of Chinese women's team, fixed his eyes on defending the championship.
"Undoubtedly the Chinese girls will meet strong rivals, but what matters most is that they should adjust their state of mind and try best to win the trophy," he said.
The 2010 World Team Table Tennis Championships is due to start on May 23, when Chinese men's team will compete with its first rival France while the women's team is going to challenge Italy.
