SPORTS> China
Stars drop back down to earth a little brighter
By Yu Yilei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-27 10:11

Nine of China's most promising young tennis players returned from a 24-day training camp in the United States on February 26 brimming with confidence after learning from the likes of US Tennis Hall of Famer Dennis Ralston.

The three coaches who accompanied them to Eugene, Oregon, for the "Mercedes-Benz Swing for the Stars" junior-level tennis clinic were unsparing in their praise of the event and the world-class tuition involved.

"It feel so good to be able to work with some of the best American coaches, especially Dennis," said Chinese coach Liu Shuo. "He is a great player who has so much valuable tennis experience. I'm glad we got to share his story and his knowledge and his detailed training methods were extremely helpful."

The players are likely to be sent back to the US soon to compete at International Tennis Federation tournaments and test the usefulness of the clinic, according to program organizer Beijing International Group (BIG). "The clinic is not only about training, it's about competition," said Lin Xiaowu, BIG's chief cooperation officer.

It is also about promoting change, with the revised 2009 edition due to be launched in Guangzhou on March 2. Instead of only reaching out to three Chinese cities, it will cast its net much wider this year to incorporate over 20 cities.

"The program will only become bigger, and I think we will see a major impact on Chinese tennis very soon," said Lin. "There will be a record number of participants this year, that's for sure."

So far, over 100 players have applied for the program in the city of Jiangmen, Guangdong province, alone.

The program will reach colleges and universities for the first time to cultivate more tennis talents.

Veteran US coaches will also conduct a series of tennis lectures. Jeff Bearup, the director of Boston-based New England Academy of Tennis, and master fitness trainer Eric Beard, who conducted the Eugene clinic, have already signed up to deliver one each.

The program will conclude with another international clinic held in the US and attended by the best players and coaches of the year.