Ping-pong king Kong hardened by failure

Former Olympic and world champion Kong Linghui was philosophical after failing in his bid to be named head coach of China's women's table tennis team earlier this week.

"It's normal (to lose). Where there is competition, there is always a loser," said Kong, who shocked the public by declaring his candidacy for the coveted post late last month.

Kong was appointed assistant coach shortly after retiring in 2006 but is still considered young and inexperienced compared to Shi Zhihao, who was re-appointed on Monday.