Auch in der International Herald Tribune:
Table tennis: Chinese players pay the price of romance
The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 6, 2004
The Chinese table tennis association has removed four national team members for "romantic affairs" that it said impeded preparations for this year's Olympics.
Li Nan, who is ranked No. 9 in the world, and two other women players, Bai Yang and Fan Ying, have been sent home to "carry out deep reflection," news reports said Monday, quoting the head coach, Cai Zhenhua. One men's player, Hou Yingchao, who news reports identified as Li's boyfriend, was also sent home.
"This is an Olympic year, and we are facing an arduous task," Cai was quoted as saying at a team meeting Saturday. He said the players "engaged in romantic affairs, affecting training."
Li Yuhuan, an association official, told The Associated Press that the players had been sent back temporarily to their local teams and could return once they "deal well with their personal affairs."
"Dating is not against the law or regulations. But as professional players, they only have a few years to train and compete. They cannot spend it too much on dating," Li said. "We hope all the young players treasure their time and career."
Reports said that Ma Lin, the world No. 1, was Bai's boyfriend but stayed on the team because he is a likely medalist in Athens. Ma's doubles partner, Wang Hao, who was reportedly involved with Fan Ying, also escaped punishment.
"We let the more important person stay because they have the heavier burdens and responsibilities," Li said.
http://www.iht.com/articles/123816.htm