China clinches all six berths in Olympic Equestrian competition

(BEIJING, June 19) -- The International Equestrian Federation has confirmed that Chinese riders Liu Lina, Alex Hua Tian, Li Zhenqiang, Huang Zuping, Zhang Bin and Zhao Zhiwen have qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games, filling up the entire quota of six berths given to the host country. The number of participants in the equestrian competition is a historic breakthrough for China.

Liu, who is from Xinjiang, will be participating in Dressage. Alex Hua Tian (Guangdong) will compete in Eventing. Li (Guangdong), Huang (Tibet), Zhao (Jiangsu) and Zhang (Shanghai) will take part in Jumping.

The team members have now begun training in Germany, Great Britain, Belgium and France. They will all be in Equestrian host-city Hong Kong on July 26.