Zheng Jie (L) and Yan Zi lift thier champion trophies after the women's doubles final at the 2006 Wimbledon Open. (File Photo: China Foto Press) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Jan. 5 -- Chinese Olympic champions Li Ting and Sun Tiantian will be separated and partner with other players to compete in the qualifying rounds of the Beijing Olympics.

    Sun Jinfang, Director of Tennis Administrative Centre of General Administration of Sport, on Thursday revealed the decision has been made due to Li and Sun's under-par fitness levels, even though the pair broke through to the women's doubles champion at Athens Olympiad in 2004.

    Sun Jinfang said Li Ting and Sun Tiantian have tried re-partnering with Sun Shengnan and Ji Chunmei respectively. The final line-up for the Olympic Games will be determined according to the WTA ranking and form of each of the players by mid-2007.

    The director also admitted Li Na and Peng Shuai may compete in the doubles event.

    Sun Jinfang also confirmed that Australian Open and Wimbledon Open doubles champions Zheng Jie and Yan Zi will definitely compete in the Olympics.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)