Who's hot, who's not in China Sports (Week 21)

Mentality a problem for Li Na

After four straight quarter-final exits from top women's tennis tournaments in the past two months, Li Na finally found some rhythm, storming into the final at the Italian Open on Sunday.

But the way she lost the match, to Maria Sharapova, was more dismal.

The Chinese tennis star choreographed elaborate plays at the beginning, breaking Sharapova twice and taking the first set 6-4. Her heavy topspin shot continued to thump the Russian in the first half of the second set and helped Li to get a fairly comfortable 4-0 edge, before Sharapova came to life and reeled off the next eight games.

Trailing 4-1 in the third set, Li turned on a late run, claiming the next four games to retain the upper hand. But after blowing a match point at the 12th, the distracted Chinese collapsed at the tie-breaker, which was delayed for two hours due to heavy rain.

It's another frustrating upset for Li, who has been losing matches this way all year. Remember how she squandered four match points against Kim Clijsters at the Australia Open?

Yes, mentality is a big problem now for the reigning French Open champion, who is 30 years old. She hasn't clinched a single title since the event.

On the bright side, Li is still keeping things in perspective. She said the loss gave her a dose of confidence instead, and she knew that she could still win it all as long as she came out stronger and concentrated.

Liu Xiang a serious contender

It is almost a week since Liu Xiang's lightning victory at the men's 110m hurdles event at the Diamond League meet in Shanghai. He clocked the season's best record of 12.97 seconds, which was also his first below-13 seconds in the past five years. He is increasingly feeling it as the Olympic Games are around the corner.

But I decided not to elaborate on his result. At this time, there is no need for hyping and too many accolades, he just needs to keep it cool and focused, improve his condition step by step and take the final shot in London on Aug 8.

Chinese tycoon may buy UK football club

Wang Jianlin, chairman of Wanda Group, who is China's sixth richest man with an estimated personal fortune of $6.25 billion, may be interested in buying Coventry City, of the Football League One in Britain, according to a Coventry Telegraph report on Thursday. The interest is motivated by the conglomerate's global ambition.

Wang bought the Dalian Wanda FC (now Dalian Shide FC) of the Chinese Jia A League (predecessor of the Chinese Super League) in 1994 and clinched four league titles in a six-year reign thanks to efficient management and market operation. The success of the team also added a big boost to the group's brand promotion.