Chinese veteran Wang Fei, a specialist on long-course events of the women's long track speed skating, announced Saturday to withdraw from the Harbin universiade due to injury.
"The Chinese delegation finally decided to persuade Wang Fei to give up all the individual events since she's not feeling good," said Xiao Hua, director of the Chinese winter sports administrative center's speed skating department.
"We'll keep an eye on her fitness and to make decision later whether or not she could participate in the team pursuit event on Thursday," she added.
Wang could not be reached for comment for the moment.
The 27-year-old, a native of Heilongjiang province where the universiade is on going, did not show up in Friday's 1,500 meters in which she's among the pre-match favorites.
Besides the team pursuit, Wang should also attend Saturday's 3,000m and the 5,000m on Tuesday.
She's the reigning Asian champion of both the 1,500m and 3,000m and holds the Asian record of the latter.
"If Wang Fei had competed the 1,500 meters, she could have taken the gold medal over for China from the Japanese Nao Kodaira," said Xiao Hua with a pity.
"But she's quite unfit recently, and no one of the team wanted her to race in that condition, though she's thirsty for a match.
"After all, the main target of the Chinese speed skating team is on the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. To take a long-term consideration, we think it's better for her as well as for the team's benifit to keep her rested," Xiao said.
The official added that Wang Fei might be brought back in for the team pursuit event if she's fully covered.
(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2009)