From the Readers

Inexperience let China down

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-07 08:12

Comment on "China fail to defend Gorbillon Cup" (China Daily, May 31)

China's women paddlers indeed lacked experience.

Ding Ning was definitely not ready for a final. And although Liu Shiwen is ranked world No 1, she is still inexperienced. She got the top billing because of Zhang Yining's retirement (not yet confirmed officially) and the sidelining of Guo Yue and Li Xiaoxia. Guo Yan was the only mature paddler for a final, and she won her match as expected.

It was a real shame not to see Guo Yue take the field. The coach let her (and Li Xiaoxia too) drop in the world ranking by keeping her out of the main competition for months. Guo Yue is the brightest talent after Zhang Yining in China. So, it's a pity she didn't show up at championship.

Of course, the Singapore team played very well. But lack of experience of Chinese paddlers and the weird choice of the coach made all the difference.

Alex, on China Daily website

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(China Daily 06/07/2010 page9)