"Now our abilities are getting closer and I don't have an absolute edge over them," Wang Liqin said. "So if I have to play in the qualifiers to get the Olympic berth, I don't think it's a bad thing for me."

"I am ready for the competition and I have the confidence to become a better me."

The perfectionist

Wang is a typical man from Shanghai, a perfectionist in both his personal life and his career.

He always looks neat and has kept the same hairstyle for a decade. He loves to read fashion magazines and buy expensive clothes. He likes watching Formula One and Michael Shumacher is his idol.

Though reluctant to take interviews, he enjoys taking pictures. He tries to keep his distance from the media, and when he talks he only talks about his sporting career.

After paparazzi caught him dating a famous movie actress in February, Wang only asked the media "Is the picture clear?" and then kept silent about the whole thing.

"I only do things I like. Since I was a kid, I've been a very independent person and I don't like to share my affairs with others," he said.

Since taking the World Championship title in 2001 on his way to becoming the world's best paddler, Wang has put much pressure on himself to play better and stay unbeatable.

"I am a perfectionist and of course I want to win my every match," he said.

But now, China's head coach is worried Wang's perfectionism may affect him down the road.

"Wang Liqin is too demanding of himself. He always wants to play better, which is not a good thing for him. He must forget what he has achieved and accept failures," Liu said.

"I still believe in him. If he can shake off his burden and sharpen his backhand skills, he will be back."