China's top figure skating pair, Zhao Hongbo (left) and Shen Xue (right) perform during a competition. [file]

Figure skater Zhao Hongbo has been selected to bear the flag for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony of the Sixth Asian Winter Games.

Zhao will lead his compatriots as they march into the Wuhuan Gymnasium in Changchun on Sunday evening.

Zhao and partner Shen Xue claimed the title at the world championships in 2002 and 2003. They also clinched Olympic bronze medals at Salt Lake City in the United States in 2002 and Turin, Italy, in 2006.

Three Chinese athletes ran for consideration as flag bearers. Olympic speed skating champion Wang Meng and freestyle skiing gold medalist Han Xiaopeng were also in the competition.