Since pistol shooter Xu Haifeng claimed China's first Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, China has emerged as a new powerhouse in the sport with 14 Olympic titles, including four wins at the 2004 Athens Games.

Spearheaded by six-time Olympian and double Olympic champion Wang Yifu, a pistol specialist, Chinese sharpshooters are aiming high at the upcoming Beijing Olympics and expect to win more medals in all colors. The national squad is already based in the newly built Olympic venue, Beijing Shooting Range Hall, to prepare for the Games.

China has booked its place at 14 Olympic shooting events with 26 berths. Besides Russia and the United States, which have 24 qualification berths apiece, Germany, Australia and Italy will be the biggest threats.

According to the competition schedule, the women's 10m air rifle will probably produce the first gold medal in Beijing. Defending champion and world record holder Du Li and veteran Zhao Yinghui are also expected to claim their maiden golds on home soil.

Other events China has a chance of winning include the men's 10m air rifle, men's 25m rapid fire pistol, men's 50m pistol, women's 25m pistol, women's 50m rifle three position and women's skeet.

In an interview after a national qualifier last week, Wang Yifu dismissed reports that Olympic champions would automatically enter the national squad for the Beijing Games.

"Even great shooters like Du Li, who has already earned herself an Olympic berth can lose. She lost out this qualifing round to her teammates. This is a warning for every Olympic champion and established athlete," Wang told China Sports Daily.

"The Olympic selection is fair and everyone has equal opportunity. We don't favor anyone," he said. "If you are a real star, you should prove you are worth a spot in the Olympic squad. If you don't play well, you should give others a chance."

"We want the best," he said.

Concerned about how the Chinese athletes will deal with the pressure this August, team leaders have introduced several tension-easing measures such as English-language courses and regular psychological check-ups.

The final starting list will be decided by April.