Star happy to set example for youngsters the hard way

Li Na returns a shot while playing against Bojana Jovanonski of Serbia in the Shenzhen Gemdale Open quarterfinals in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Jan 3, 2013. [Photo by Wu Jun / For chinadaily.com.cn]

To skip the 2013 National Games

Li Na will skip the National Games and instead concentrate on more pro success.

Although the organizing committee adjusted the schedule of the National Games' tennis tournament to avoid a clash with the US Open, which will start in late August. Li said she won't play the quadrennial event and plans to focus more on the pro Tour.

"I think more chances should be given to those young players and I won't play it this year," Li said in Shenzhen. "I am not 20 years old anymore, so I have to plan my schedule well for consistent performances," the 30-year-old said. "I've talked with the team leaders of Hubei province and local sports bureau officials. They all know my decision."

Li represented Hubei at the last National Games in 2009, but pulled out in the first round due to a knee injury.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

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