She won the Canadian Junior Open in 2004 and competed at under-21 events around the world the next year. She retained her Canadian Open title, became the country's singles champion and winner of the World Junior Circuit.

Zhang won seven major tournaments in 2006, finishing second at the ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals and placing fifth at the World Junior Championships.

She easily qualified for the Beijing Olympics in April at the North American qualifier in Vancouver, ahead of veteran Zhu "Judy" Long, another Chinese import to Canada.

"I didn't think I would be Canada's number one female. I am proud," commented Zhang in faltering English.

Her story is typical of the hundreds of Chinese table tennis players who seek their fortunes elsewhere because of the unrivaled depth and strength of talent here.

The top five ranked women are all Chinese, led by Zhang Yining, while around 23 of the world's best female players were originally born in China, though many now represent other nations.

Like Brazilian soccer stars they are welcomed around the world for their unparalleled skills. This analogy formed part of the argument put forward by ITTF President Adham Sharara earlier this year when he questioned whether China would be happy losing a soccer match to a Qatari side featuring Brazilians.

He then proposed a rule that players over 21 could not switch countries and younger athletes could only do so after a waiting period of three to seven years. The rule has since taken effect in table tennis.

This will not necessarily affect Olympic eligibility but it could slow the flow of players from China to the rest of the world.

While China's women's coach Shi Zhihao suggested this was a non-issue for China because of its unbeatable status, China's foreign legion of table tennis players were more critical.

Olympic silver medalist Gao Jun, who will represent the United States in Beijing, predicted international skill levels would diminish.

"It's just that the level of talent in China is so high. Of course the coaches will pick the best of the best. So when players leave it's not because they're no good, it's because there's players who are even better than them," the Associated Press quoted Gao as saying.

Zhang's Olympic dream will soon become a reality, but for those following in her footsteps the outlook is less certain.

(China Daily/The Olympian June 16, 2008)