Charlton Athletic's Zheng Zhi, left, fails to win the ball from Reading's Seol Ki-Hyeon during their English Premier League soccer match at the Valley stadium, London, Monday April 9, 2007. The two sides draw 0-0. [AP]

China skipper Zheng Zhi has been named Charlton Athletic's player of March as overwhelmingly gaining 94 percent of votes among 1,520 fans.   

On loan to relegation-threatened Charlton, Zheng Zhi nicknamed ZZ rekindled fans' hopes to stay in the English Premier League by helping his team win over Newcastle and Wigan in two successive games in March. Zheng was voted players of both matches.

Having played his part in the comeback at Vicarage Road, he took centre stage for the 2-0 win over Newcastle United. In a pulsating second half Zheng was first to react after Darren Bent's free kick came back off the underside of the bar, heading home to give the Addicks a deserved lead.

He followed that late on with a jinking run in the box, denied only by Shay Given in the Magpies goal. With the 90 minutes almost up he was still full of running and committed Nolberto Solano to a clumsy challenge. Jerome Thomas despatched the spot kick to wrap up the points for Charlton.

After losing to Everton 1-2, Charlton with 32 points ranked 18th in the table , two points behind Sheffield United in the drop zone. This weekend Charlton is meeting Sheffield at home, seeing as a life and death game for both sides to avoid demotion.

About Zheng Zhi

Zheng started his career as defender, but now plays as a midfielder. He is also captain of the Chinese national team.

Zheng is known for his work ethic and ball control skills. He is a solid defender, capable organizer in the mid-field, and also serves as a viable option as a striker. He is often regarded as the best Chinese footballer of his generation.

He joined Charlton Athletic on loan on December 29, 2006 until the end of the season, with Charlton having an option to buy him.

He scored 21 goals for Shandong Luneng as they won the national league title earlier this year.