Chinese Yi Labors for Olympics Berth

The diminutive tennis player has a dull life track: travel- play, then travel-play.

She has a single dream -- eligible for the Sydney Olympic Games. To win the eligibility, Yi Jingqian, the top Chinese player, faces a daunting challenge -- rank among the top 80 in the world before July 10 to enhance qualifying chance.

"Even if you rank among the top 80, Olympic ticket is not certain. But generally speaking, the top 80 are the most likely to qualify for the Games," said Sun Wenbin, an official with the Chinese Tennis Association (CTA).

Yi, however, is relying on her natural ability and strong determination to inch closer to Sydney as in the WTA rankings released on March 20, she placed 98th with 310.5 points. Before the Australian Open in late January, she ranked only 141st in the world and entered the Grand Slam tournament as a wild card.

The rankings hike, however, came after she unremittingly played every meet and fought for every match.

"My aim this year is just to gain Olympic ticket," said Yi. "To win more ranking points, I need to give full display in every meet and fight for every point."

Following the Australian Open, she went to the United States for three 25,000 U.S. dollars event before returning home for two more events.

"I have been playing non-stop, it is really exhausting," said Yi, who has to deal with the high intensity of tournaments and contrasting weather conditions from place to place. Yi has been put to the test of the grueling international competition after the CTA made a bold decision in late 1998 to join its top women players in the WTA tour for more ranking points and international exposure.

"To play as a professional means you have to play throughout the year, you have little time to rest or enjoy.

"I can only feel happy by winning matches. Only when I win, I feel the tour is worthwhile. But if I am suffering a losing skid, it is easy to imagine how I would feel," said Yi. "Life is hard and dull indeed."

The growing pain is hard but proved to be worthwhile. Her confidence to rank higher has been boosted since the Australian Open where she reached a career high by making the third round.

"I had built up morale by playing against world elite. I am upbeat to win higher ranking and will be more self-confident when I meet good players," said Yi.

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