Fencers get aggressive

Without the burden of set goals, China's fencers will aim to show off their new, aggressive style at the London Olympics.

The team has qualified in all 10 categories - six team and four individual disciplines - in London, and boasts strong gold-medal chances in the men's foil and women's epee events.

However, team leader Zhao Chunsheng remains guarded about any flashes of gold at the Olympics to follow on from Zhong Man's victory in the men's individual saber four years ago.

"Competing in Europe, where the sport was established, will be tough for us. The European powerhouses will be even tougher (to beat) in front of their home crowds," Zhao said last week.

Still, the team has vowed to go into the Games with a new mindset.

"The traditional Chinese athlete is viewed as humble and with a lack of toughness inside when facing strong rivals. We hope to change that perception this summer," Zhao said.

The team's recent red-hot form supports Zhao's claim.

Led by Lei Sheng, the men's foil contingent defended its team crown at the world championships last year in Italy while the women's epee team grabbed a silver medal at the tournament. Both teams are expected to be in the hunt for gold in London.

Individually, veteran world champion Li Na and the promising Sun Yujie are also strong medal chances in the women's epee.

"We are a relative young team without enough big-game experience, so the veterans' efforts will be crucial," Zhao said.

The 29-year-old Zhong, the country's first male Olympic champion fencer, is coming back from a break after his wife gave birth to their second child last year.

Although ranked only No 36 in the world, Zhong has nailed a spot on the Olympic roster and will defend his saber title.

"All the top three players can qualify so he (No 3 seed in China) will definitely go. And his shape is getting better and better leading up to the Games," Zhao said.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn