(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-18 10:40

QIQIHAR, Northeast China - Good psychology is one of the main factors contributing to national champion Li Chengjiang's triumph in men's free skating demonstration event at the 11th National Winter Games, his coach Gao Haijun said here Thursday evening.

Li Chengjiang performs his routines during the men's free skating event at the 11th National Winter Games in QiQihar of Northeast China's Hei Longjiang Province. January 17, 2008. Li won the champion title with 102.10 points. [Xinhua]

In a short interview with Xinhua soon after Li's performance, the coach said: "His performance is okay and I am satisfied with it."

"He has been suffering from an illness over the past few months and is still recovering from it," he added.

On Li's success, Gao said that psychology is the main factor."

"His poor health and recent loss of father have not affected his performance today. This shows he has good psychology," the coach said.

"Performance of technical skills is one thing and psychology is another. More often than not, psychology plays a bigger part in one's success," the middle-aged coach commented.

He also noted that the competition on the ice rink is becoming tougher and more challenging than ever, a situation which demands athletes to have better psychology, new techniques and stable performance.

Li Chengjiang, an athlete representing Changchun, capital city of Northeast China's Jilin Province, came out first in the event with a score of 102.10 points.