The women have struggled since their Athens gold, but the return of Feng Kun and Zhao Ruirui from injury seems to have reinvigorated the team, as evidenced by its second-place finish at the Swiss Volleyball Masters.

"Though we lost to Cuba and failed to defend the title in the tournament, I am not frustrated at all," Chen said.

"I am glad Zhao and Feng came back and showed they are close to getting back to their best."

The towering Zhao used to be one of the world's best spikers but has struggled with a knee injury for the past three years. Pivotal setter Feng, who played a key role in the team's Athens triumph, has also been on the sidelines for over a year.

"The best way to test whether they are fit or not is to compete in a major event," the coach said.

"We can see they still played high-quality volleyball, they still showed motivation, determination and teamwork.

"Though not at their best, I can see they are on track to regain their prime form."

Feng was named "Best Setter" in Switzerland while Zhao ranked seventh in scoring and sixth in blocking.

The team will head to Ningbo, Zhenjiang province, on June 16 for the FIVB Grand Prix opening stage, which begins June 20.

Mountains for men to climb

Meanwhile, yesterday's draw for China's underachieving men's team was not so favorable. Advancing to the Olympics only by virtue of being the host, the men will have mountains to climb if they are to make it to the next round.

The men's team will open its second-ever Olympic campaign against Bulgaria, followed by matches against Venezuela, Japan, the US and Italy.

"According to our ranking in the world, every opponent in the group is stronger," head coach Zhou Jian'an said. "We have to try our best in every match."

With China unlikely to beat either Bulgaria, the US or Italy, the team will have to rely on victories over the less-fancied Japan and Venezuela if it hopes to gain a spot in the next round.

(China Daily June 12, 2008)