BEIJING - China's banished Olympic champion diver Tian Liang has pulled out of a key national trial, further denting his chances of returning to the fold in time for the 2008 Beijing Games, local media said on Tuesday.

Tian Liang [file photo]

Tian was kicked off the national squad in 2005 for taking part in too many commercial activities and will be absent from this month's world championships in Melbourne despite having won gold at the last two Olympics.

Repeated denials from sports officials have not stopped domestic media speculating that Tian, dubbed the "diving prince", would be rehabilitated in time to bolster China's Olympic stocks.

Tian's agent, Liu Tao, said the 27-year-old was currently not fit to compete and would miss another national event next month, The First newspaper reported on Tuesday.

"Tian Liang has not had structured training in a few months. His condition is not suitable for competition," Liu told the paper.

"He recently decided he would not participate in the national champions tournament in April."

Tian has few opportunities left to impress Olympic selectors, who were incensed by the rash of endorsements and television commercials he took on in the wake of his 2004 Athens achievements.

More than 20 lawmakers from his home region of Chongqing have submitted a petition to China's annual session of parliament this week, entitled: "The national interest is greater than everything -- let Tian Liang return to the national team to win honour for the country."

But national swimming centre chief Li Hua had dismissed the petition, the paper said.

"Competing at the Olympics depends on form, not reputation," Li said.

Tian won gold in the 10m synchronised platform and a bronze in the individual event at Athens Games, fours years after winning the individual title in Sydney.