Competitive controversy

China's table tennis team is traveling to Rio de Janeiro under a cloud of controversy as fans lament that even being the world champion does not guarantee a coveted Olympic singles spot on one of the world's most competitive teams.

The failure of world No 1 Liu Shiwen to clinch one of China's two spots in the global showcase was greeted with an outcry at home described by Sina Sports as "one of the most tragic things to happen to the Chinese women's team in the last 20 years".

The tough selection - which fell to defending London champion Li Xiaoxia and world No 2 Ding Ning - also underlines how China is likely to once again dominate the medal standings at Rio as it did in 2008 and 2012.