As a worldwide competition on the simulation of steelmaking was about to start, Shi Xiaowei had unwillingly got his computer mouse with sweat from his right hand. He couldn't help being nervous: He wanted to be champion, and he would soon succeed.

"If I won, it would be not only a great honor for myself and my employer but more important for my country," said the 30-year-old steelmaking engineer from HBIS Group Tangsteel Co in Tangshan, Hebei province.

The task for competitors was to produce a specific steel grade at the lowest cost using computer systems and continuous casting in a combined simulation.

To be more prepared, Shi practiced many times a day before the competition. He had already mastered 16 different steelmaking solutions in case any unexpected situations arose during the competition.

"I will not forgive myself if I lose because of mistakes," he said.

Shi has participated in the challenge three times. Neither he nor his colleague won the championship the first two times.

"The competitions have given me experience and more motivation to win," he said.