Jia Hao (left) and Zhong Zhiyao at the pair debate. [Photo by Ruan Fan/chinadaily.com.cn]

"I also felt frustrated to have to vote between the two, but we have to play by the rules. Besides, we've seen what they've got and that's important," Xu said.

Xu told China Daily website after the competition that he saw great potential in the contestants, while suggesting that the hosts-to-be need to spend more time reading and experiencing the society.

"Whether it is a talk show or a commentary program, you have to have your own style and should speak up your mind. And you have to have your ideas first," Xu said.

Liu Hongyue, one of the panel members and an experienced hostess from Beijing Television, while agreeing with what Xu said, added that "In today's society, where the network shows are thriving, it's time traditional TV hosts go out of their way to charm the viewers with their uniqueness. The hosts cannot survive if they are only a microphone. You've got to be irreplaceable."

Liu said: "And it's important to be likable and affectionate. You have to speak to the audiences, and speak to their hearts. That's how they will listen to you."

The top three contestants are Chen Jiaoyi from Communication University of China, Zhang Shuai from Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Jia Hao from Renmin University of China.