According to a local newspaper, the KingSports, the pair says they'll continue to train hard and are intent on regaining the title in next year's World Championship.

Shen and Zhao won the world title in 2002 and 2003. They took the silver at the 2004 world event and withdrew from the 2005 event as Zhao suffered an Achilles' tendon injury.

The 33-year-old Zhao overcame his injury to win China a bronze medal with partner Shen Xue at the Turin Winter Olympics in February.