Table Tennis: Li Chunli set for fourth Olympic campaign

Experience is the least of Li Chunli's concerns as the New Zealand table tennis player prepares for the Olympic Games in Athens in August.

She and sister Karen were today confirmed as this country's table tennis representatives for Athens, when Li will contest the singles and partner her sibling in the doubles.

It will be Li Chunli's fourth Olympic campaign, after the China-born player first represented her adopted country at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Karen Li also competed in Sydney four years ago.

Li Chunli had an extraordinary time at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, winning an individual gold medal, teaming with Karen for a silver medal in the women's doubles, then with Peter Jackson for a bronze medal in the mixed doubles, while also helping the women's team to a bronze in the teams event.

New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary general Barry Maister said it was great to see the sisters back for another Games.

"Both players have performed with much credit on the international table tennis stage in recent times.

"It is wonderful to see them maintaining the high standards they have set themselves and I look forward to some exciting table tennis in Athens."

Assistant national table tennis coach Simeon Cairns is also excited.

"The Li sisters have continued to achieve excellent results in both singles and doubles for New Zealand. This is probably Chunli's last Olympics and could be her best ever."

Table tennis is the ninth sport selected for the New Zealand Olympic team following the announcements of the athletics, fencing, women's hockey, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming and triathlon teams.

- NZPA