CHANGCHUN, Jilin Province, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Vancouver Winter Olympics could become a place where Chinese speed skaters redeem their past regrets.

    Xing Shuo, deputy director of China's speed skating association, said he hoped China to make breakthrough not only in the women's 500 meters but in the team pursuit as well as men's events.

    "We have more good skaters than four years ago. This is our biggest progress," Xing said.

    The Chinese team pinned high hopes on several short-distance experts, spearheaded by Wang Beixing in the women's 500 meters, where China narrowly missed the Olympic gold twice in 1992 and 2002.

    Wang, 24, broke the world record in 500m in 2007 world championships and took the all-round world title last year.

    The women's team pursuit, becoming a Winter Olympics event in 2006, may bring sweet surprise for China, according to Xing.

    "International competitions have tempered these girls in the past four years. Hopefully they can make a breakthrough in the team event," said Xing.

    In 2006, China finished eighth in the team pursuit, an event competed over a distance of three kilometers in 12 laps with each team composing of three skaters.

    On the men's side, Yu Fengtong is the top hopeful for a podium finish in Vancouver, too.

    "Yu has made strides over years both physically and mentally. He is can skate the first 100 meters excellently competing with the world's top players, he will achieve greater success if he can improve his skate in the second half," said Zhao Yinggang, head of winter sports center.

    The 25-year-old Yu pocketed up a gold and a silver in men's 500m in the 2008/2009 ISU World Cups.

    The national team is scheduled to take part in the short-distance speed skating World Championships in Japan in December before leaving for Vancouver in January.