CHANGCHUN, Northeast China, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- With top-notch skater Wang Manli probably sitting out of the competition, Chinese speed skating team kept a low key on their prospect at the 6th Asian Winter Games in Changchun, northeast China.

    Reigning 500m world champion and Turin Olympic silver medalist Wang had been one of the favorites in the Chinese team but a chronic knee injury kept her from competing.

    "I have been looking forward to the winter Games because I can compete on home soil. But my knee injury does not allow me to compete, so I will just sit out the competition and root for my younger teammates," said the 34-year-old.

    China will pin their hope on Ren Hui, Turin bronze medalist in 500m and Wang Beixing, World Cup 500m winner in November last yearafter the Winter Asiad kicks off on Sunday.

    Asian champion Wang Fei may bring sweet surprise to China in women's 1,500m after she won the event and all-round title in the Asian Championships two weeks ago.

    "We have some advantage in short distance events like 500m while South Korea are also strong in the short distance and Japan may lead in the long distance," said Xiao Hua, speed skating official of the Chinese State General Administration of Sports.