Beijing, 2 Feb (Xinhua) -- On the evening of 2 February, the mixed doubles competition in the curling event of the Beijing Winter Olympics will be held at the "Ice Cube" of the National Aquatics Center, and the Chinese combination of Ling Zhi and Fan Suyuan will become the first pair of athletes of the Chinese delegation to participate in this Winter Olympic Games. After participating in the first formal training before the end of the game in the morning, Ling Zhi said that he would put down his baggage in the evening and do his best to play the first battle with the former world champion Switzerland.
During the training, Ling Zhi/Fan Suyuan made a trial shot under the leadership of the coach, and the quality of several shots was very high. Ling Zhi, 27, who won ninth place at the 2021 Mixed Doubles World Championships with his partner, and Fan Suyuan, 25, a former speed skater who turned to curling in 2014. The two stood out from the Olympic trials at the end of 2021, teamed up for less than three months, although the cooperation time was not long, but they trained together for a long time and were very familiar with each other.
On the evening of the 2nd, the two will challenge the Swiss team.
In an interview after training, Ling Zhi said that he had played with the Swiss team many times, with losses and wins, and whoever was in good shape and not nervous at night had a chance to win. "We have the advantage of hosting and will put down our baggage and do our own thing."
'The atmosphere in the stadium is good, we'll play our own game and focus on ourselves.' Fan Suyuan said.
Chinese mixed doubles coach Lantameki said the players were ready and confident, with a five-to-five win rate with Switzerland. (End)