CHANGCHUN, Northeast China - The Chinese speed skating team has vowed to lead in the upcoming Winter Asiad arena in Changchun, northeast China, beating arch rivals from Japan and South Korea.

Wang Meng from China celebrates her woman's 500 metres short track speed skating final victory at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, February 15, 2006. [Reuters]

Most of Chinese skaters have arrived in Changchun, including leading players like Wang Beixing, Ren Hui, Xing Aihua, as well as Wang Manli, the silver medal winner in 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, who will not compete in the games but cheer for her compatriots.

"Japan will be the biggest threat to the Chinese team, especially in long distance events," said Xiao Hanzhang, the head coach of the Chinese speed skating team.

With five gold medals, the Japanese team, headed by Tabata Maki and Hirako Hiroki, became the biggest winner in the Asian Regional Qualifying Competition for the ISU World All-Round Speed Skating Championships 2007 earlier this month.

The Chinese team just won three gold medals in the qualifying competitions.

"However, this event was just a beginning, and the real competition will be in the Asian Winter Games," said Xiao.

The South Korean team should not be neglected either. "The South Korean players, headed by Lee Sang Hwa, will be a great challenge to our short distance events," Xiao said.

"But comparatively speaking, we have more advantages in short distance events than long distance, particularly in women's short distance events," Xiao added.

Wang Fei, the only Chinese player who has qualified for the ISU World All-Round Speed Skating Championships 2007 to be held in February, was obviously not satisfied with her achievement in the Asian Regional Qualifying Competition. "My problem was the instability of performance."

"Anyway, I hope I can play my best in the Winter Asian Games and fully rival Japanese and South Korean players," Wang smiled with confidence.

Wang Manli praised the Chinese speed skaters for their rapid progress in techniques and physical quality. "The only thing they lack is the experience. But I believe they will not disappoint us, " Wang noted.

The 6th Asian Winter Games will kick off in Changchun on January 28 and last for eight days. The speed skating events are slated for January 29 to February 1.