Stars drop back down to earth a little brighter

Nine of China's most promising young tennis players returned from a 24-day training camp in the United States yesterday brimming with confidence after learning from the likes of US Tennis Hall of Famer Dennis Ralston.

The three coaches who accompanied them to Eugene, Oregon, for the "Mercedes-Benz Swing for the Stars" junior-level tennis clinic were unsparing in their praise of the event and the world-class tuition involved.

"It feel so good to be able to work with some of the best American coaches, especially Dennis," said Chinese coach Liu Shuo. "He is a great player who has so much valuable tennis experience. I'm glad we got to share his story and his knowledgehis detailed training methods were extremely helpful."