Head coach of the Hong Kong Badminton team Chan Chi-choi (1st left), Wang Chen (3rd left), Ng Wei (3rd right), Yip Pui-yin (2nd right) and two assistant coaches smile a confident smile for a picture yesterday. Nicole Wong

As the Hong Kong Badminton team is gearing up for the upcoming Beijing Olympics, three outstanding players are determined to shine in the Games amid the applause of their fellow countrymen.

Veteran players Ng Wei and Wang Chen and newcomer Yip Pui-yin are looking forward to their arrival in Beijing on August 6, with head badminton coach Chan Chi-choi and the rest of the team.

For the three-time Olympics representative for the Hong Kong Badminton Team Ng Wei, the Olympics will be an opportunity for him to prove his hard work and to raise his ranking.

"After the scoring system changed from 15 to 21 points two years ago, it took me some time to readjust my techniques. Since 2007 I've made a steady comeback and I currently rank 20th in the world."

"I'm confident about winning in the Games. My experience should stand me in good stead against younger players," Ng added. "I'm also ready to achieve another breakthrough in my career."

Wang Chen, 32, is set to give it her best shot too, as this will be the last Olympics that she will be competing. She reassured that recent injuries to her right arm and fingers should not affect her performance.

"I've been steadily recovering and strengthening the muscles again," Wang noted. "In the next few weeks I'll continue to hone my techniques by practising with both experienced and junior teammates."

Despite being a first-time Olympic representative, Yip Pui-yin is poised to give her best performance in the competition.

Her upcoming training will see greater emphasis on fitness, as well as mental strength.

"My play is generally aggressive and fitness is crucial," Yip elaborated. "For relaxation, I go for movies on most days after my training and spend quality time with my friends and teammates."

Both Ng and Wang believed the hosting of the Games in Beijing is a definite advantage for Hong Kong athletes, since they do not have to adjust to any time or climate differences and can count on the support from the mainland audience.

"It means something to us to be competing in Beijing," Ng pinpointed. "It's even better that we have the opportunity to bring honor to our home city Hong Kong in our motherland, when the whole world is watching."

Yip also hopes the Hong Kong audience will express their support for the athletes by closely following the Games.

"The Beijing Olympics should help raise public awareness in sports development in Hong Kong," Yip contended.

With the pressure setting in for the players, head badminton coach Chan Chi-choi said the team is striving to exceed its own standards, and he is upbeat about the players' performance in the Games.

(HK Edition 07/18/2008 page1)