HONG KONG: As the Olympics fast approaches, men's defending champion Ryu Seung-min can be forgiven for feeling a little nervous.
Four years ago in Athens, Ryu stunned China by playing the table tennis of his life to clinch the gold medal.
It was a proud moment for South Korea, but an embarrassing one for China, the superpower of the sport, which was widely expected to whitewash the competition, especially in the coveted men's singles.
Fast forward to 2008, and China's formidable paddlers, their skills honed and with national pride on the line, are set for revenge in Beijing.
In front of thousands of frenzied fans at the Peking University Gymnasium, China is determined to demolish all who step up to the tables, with the South Korean champion firmly in its sights.
But Ryu, ranked No 8 in the world, seems unfazed by the onslaught heading his way, and insists he's looking forward to defending his title.
"No there's no pressure. I've already proven myself at the Olympics. If I were the No 1 player in the world, I suppose I would feel more pressure," the 25-year-old told AFP at a training session in Seoul.
"But I am just one of the players challenging the Chinese or the top players from Europe," he said.
"Even when people bring up the subject of defending my gold medal, I don't feel any pressure at all."
Unfailingly polite and widely respected in the sport - he donated $10,000 to the China earthquake disaster shortly after being beaten by China's top player at the Korean Open - Ryu has stepped up his Olympic campaign to overdrive.
In recent months he has criss-crossed the globe, competing in every tournament in an exhausting attempt to claw his way up the rankings before Beijing and avoid meeting China's paddlers, who are set to be the top three seeds, in the early stages of the draw.
"I've been playing a lot of overseas events of late and I am a bit tired. But I need to get a good seed at the Olympics so I am forcing myself through these tournaments. But I have no injuries to speak of at this moment."
Along the way, Ryu, known for his fast footwork and explosive forehand loops, has clinched the Chile Open, his third singles title on the Pro-Tour, and his first since Athens.
But his victories pale in comparison to the triumphs of China's heavyweights - Wang Hao, Ma Lin and Wang Liqin - who have won every major title.
Wang Liqin is a three-time world champion, Ma, a four-time World Cup winner, while Wang Hao - the young paddler that Ryu defeated in Athens for gold - has been the world No 1 for nine straight months.
Their astonishing records, which are equally impressive on the women's side, are an acute reminder of China's near stranglehold on the sport.
Ryu has rarely beaten Wang Hao, now 24 and seemingly with nerves of steel, in their numerous encounters since Athens. And he knows that any rematch in Beijing will be extremely difficult.
"I am trying," Ryu said with a laugh, of his attempts to defeat Wang, who won six titles alone last year.
"I know Wang is the best player in the world and is showing great form. But he is human too, and he can be beaten."
Their recent clashes have all gone China's way: Ryu was downed 4-2 by Wang in the Korean Open quarterfinals in May, and he was thumped 4-0 by the world No 1 in last year's World Cup final.
But the South Korean won respect for his gritty performance on the road to the final. He downed world No 4 Wang Liqin 4-2 just hours earlier, after sending world No 2 Ma packing 4-1 the day before.
Satisfied with his form in the run-up to Beijing, the South Korean is upbeat about his chances.
"I am confident of defending my gold medal but winning an Olympic gold requires more than just confidence or your abilities. Obviously, China is the nation to beat at table tennis and I am trying to challenge them," he told AFP.
"(And) I'm going to Beijing as the chaser, not the chased."
