False starts all fun or cause for concern?

The two most memorable moments of star hurdler Liu Xiang's debut at the Bird's Nest last week had little to do with him crossing the finish line. They were his problems leaving the starting blocks.

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Sports China

Korean coaches bring a magic touch

China has combed the globe in search of talented coaches who can assist in the country's scramble to finish atop the medal table at the Beijing Olympics.

Sichuan athletes darlings of Athletics Open in Beijing

Hurdler Liu Xiang may have been the main draw at last week's China Athletics Open at the Bird's Nest, but another group of athletes were the real darlings of the tournament.

Score board

Baseball

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Sports China

Uneven-bars queen the new star in town

Olympic gymnastics title contenders suddenly have one more thing to worry about other than the eight gold medals China claimed at the Tianjin World Cup last week. Her name is He Kexin.

Liang sets sights on US Open ticket

China's Liang Wenchong will try to complete his "grand slam" of major tournament appearances by qualifying for the US Open in Japan next week.

Superstar Liu enchants Bird's Nest crowd

Spectators got a taste of Olympic excitement months before the Beijing Games opening ceremony with a performance by China's star hurdler Liu Xiang at the Bird's Nest last night.

Not morning people - early draw could hurt team China

The Chinese women's gymnastics team will begin its preliminary Olympic competitions with the balance beam at 9 am, which gymnasts and coaches say could seriously impede their dreams of gold.