Wang goes for Olympic champion title

(BEIJING, March 10) -- China's top paddler Wang Liqin has set his sights on the Olympics, saying his goal is to clinch the Olympic championship title despite possible challenges from other first class table tennis players.

The world no. 3 paddler has booked a spot in the men's singles through the Asian Zone Qualifier with six consecutive victories, but his shaky performance in the past year has raised questions about his gold prospects at the Olympics among fans and local media.

He pointed out the improvement in his skills brought about by competing with very able players in the sport..

"My backhand has gotten a lot better, but overall, I still play my own game. I have tried using the new skills learned in recent matches, and I am satisfied with the results," he said.

He admitted that he went through a period of difficult times. ."I was blindfolded in some matches in reference to new skills."

He played down concerns that he may lose to world no. 1 Wang Hao in the semifinal. "I am quite confident after the Qualifier. My goal is to win the championship."