World No.1 Wang Liqin is to hit the price ceiling when the pre-season transfers begin next month.       

 

According to sportscn.com, the affiliated website of China's sports authorities, the ace paddler is likely to trigger a fierce battle between Shandong and Sichuan.

 

The two deadlocked rivals in the soccer arena have entered a new battle on the table tennis front as both provinces are trying to sign Wang Liqin.

 

Sichuan has committed an additional 1.5 million yuan (US$186 thousand) to strength its roster and is determined to sign a top player this season at any cost.

 

Shandong, meanwhile, have set their eyes on winning the league title this season. Club officials confessed that it would be a mission impossible without at least one of the league's elites.

 

They contacted Wang Liqin last season but failed to win the Shanghai player. However, the club is reluctant to throw their money away on a single player, saying that they need to cultivate their own players.

 

The Chinese Table Tennis Association has set 1.25 million yuan (US$155 thousand) as its salary cap. But it also sets the rule that the highest offer gets first pick.

 

Wang become a free agent after his Shanghai team was relegated from the Chinese Super League due to its poor performance last season.

 

(CRI English February 25, 2006)