The hype is understandable. Only one athlete can win China's first gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

And only sharpshooters and weightlifters can create that history, for they would be going for the gold today, the first day of the competition.

The precious metal could come from the women's 10m air rifle or the women's 48kg weightlifting. And the Chinese athletes are favorites in both the events.

Du Li Competition Schedule

Defending champion Du Li goes for gold at the Laoshan Shooting Range. But the competition seems to be tougher this time.

China seems to have a better chance in weightlifting because Chen Xiexia is seen as a runway favorite. The 2007 world champion holds the world record in clear and jerk, as well as in total weight.

The third gold could come from women's fencing as Tan Xue, finalist in Athens, rattles her saber later in the day.

Cyclist Zhang Liang will be competing against five former Tour de France champions as the first ever Chinese to enter the Olympic road race. But it would be a great achievement even he makes it to the top 50.

This year's Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre, of Spain, and last year's champion Alberto Contador are the favorites, with Italian World Championships winner Paulo Bettini giving them hot pursuit.

In the Water Cube, American sensation Michael Phelps is expected to set the pool on fire as he starts his eight-gold quest with the men's 400m individual medley heats.

In Tianjin, Chinese women footballers will take on Canada.