Chinese shuttlers to Athens Olympics set

Chinese badminton line-up for Athens unveiled

China has announced a 22-strong badminton team for the Athens Olympics, with former world No. 1 men's singles player Chen Hong making the list the last minute.

Chen Hong, who now ranks 2nd in the world, joins two other top Chinese shuttlers, Lin Dan and Bao Chunlai in the men's singles line-up.

Meanwhile, Sydney Olympic bronze medallist Xia Xuanze, who was favoured to get an Olympic seat, was downgraded to a reserve position as only three players could be sent by each country in one event.

Chinese shuttler Gong Ruina

In women's singles, the roster includes three of the world's top ranking players, Gong Rui'na, Zhang Ning and Zhou Mi.

China also has three pairs slotted for women's doubles, and two pairs each for men's doubles and mixed doubles.

Chinese badminton players grabbed four gold medals at the Sydney Games four years ago.

Source: China Radio International