Macao Ice Hockey Team Eyes One Goal at National Winter Games

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, January 04, 2003

Macao Ice Hockey Team Eyes One Goal at National Winter Games

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The 10th National Winter Games Opens in Harbin

To score one goal is enough for the Macao men's ice hockey players who are playing their first-ever National Winter Games, head coach of the Macao side Zheng Zhihong said after losing their opening match 21-0 to Qiqihaer in Harbin on Friday.

"One goal, one goal is our ultimate goal for this tournament," Zheng said with his right forefinger sticking out, who is also a key player himself and started today's match.

In their debut performance against Qiqihaer, one of the two favorites for the men's ice hockey title, Macao was unable to pose any threat to their strong opponent in the lop-sided match.

Qiqihaer took charge of the game from the very beginning and they had led 16-0 by the end of the first period before finally taking the victory with little resistance.

"We've felt no pressure at all. For our players, the first thing is to participate, second to compete, to learn, and scores come last," Zheng noted at the dressing room, caring neither the defeat nor the score.

No spectators, no applause, yet no disappointment.

All the Macao players were excited about their brand-new experience in a major tournament and the chance to compete with one of the strongest teams in China.

According to Winston Chan Kwanfai, the team leader, about half of the players are still students, with a majority of high school students.

"The youngest player is only 17 years old, while the oldest oneis 30," Chan said.

The ice hockey competition for the 10th National Winter Games features seven teams including Macao and Hong Kong.

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