Qian, who collected 1,295 points from 144 arrows in the qualification rounds, featuring four distances of 70m, 60m, 50m and 30m, placed the ninth in the overall rankings, but the third in her team.

According to the Asian Games archery rules, a maximum of two athletes from one team can enter the elimination round, which produces the medals.

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Zhao Ling and Zhang Juanjuan, who both shot 1,297 points, two more than Qian, thus took China's two berths.

"Actually my loss was decided yesterday," said Qian. "I had a bad start."

Her second arrow of the qualification round on Saturday went out of target, which caused a zero.

"It happens once in a while in archery competitions," said Gao Zhidan, China's team leader.

However, Qian's scores today was not at her normal standard either.

"She was a bit nervous too, that is why she did not shoot well today," said Tian Yuling, coach of the Chinese women's team.

Qian, 18, was considered the most talented women archer in China. She outshot Olympic silver medalist He Ying in the National Games and finally claimed the title in 2005.

The Shanghai girl then stepped onto the world stage, winning two titles in four World Cup events this year, one of which was taken after overcoming two "super" South Koreans.

"She had suffered from a appendicitis and was not in good condition physically from several months ago," said Gao. "I still have hope on her, and she has another chance in the team events."