Shooting team ready for hard fight in London, says head coach

Wang Yifu, head coach of Chinese shooting team for London Games expects a hard time for his team in London Olympics, but believes the shooters will make every effort to show the best performance.

China had always been a competitive team in shooting event. The shooting powerhouse, utilizing the home court advantage, swept five out of the 10 golds on offer at the pistol and rifle event four years ago in Beijing Games. However, it's not an easy job to repeat that accomplishment in London.

"The team finished a four-week training session in the past month, and I'm glad to find that most players improved their stability."

Shooting will produce the first gold in London, and China has sent young girls Yi Siling and Yu Dan to seek their opportunity on the 10m air rifle event.

Eight years ago, Du Li finished the task in the 2004 Games, but the huge pressure stopped her for doing that again in Beijing 2008.

In 2012 London, the world record holder Yi would carry that burden.

"The first gold is always difficult to get. However, the pressure is the same with other teams," said Wang.

"No one can book the gold before the final shot, and that's the beauty of the shooting sport."

With less than twenty days left before the opening of the London event, Wang and his shooters are trying their best to help the team.

"I hope all our athletes can get their satisfactory result, and the shooters are also trying hard for the goal," said Wang. "I'm confident of every fight."