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8. Controversial world champion team

Although Chinese national gymnasts were outstanding at this year's World Championships with four gold medals, five silver and three bronze, two controversial figures off the mat tainted the sport.

The first was former Chinese gymnast and Olympic hopeful Zhang Shangwu, who was found begging on the street, prompting debate over the country's treatment of athletes.

The 27-year-old Zhang (pictured) ruptured his left Achilles tendon in training in 2002 and was forced to retire in 2005 with a small pay-off. With little education and still suffering the effects of his injury, Zhang said he was forced to sell his medals for just 10 yuan, before eventually turning to crime as a thief.

After being released from prison in April he turned to begging, before being recognized by a fan while performing stunts for money.

Meanwhile Chinese gymnastics judge Shao Bin was found guilty of fraud at the 2010 Asian Games, the FIG Disciplinary Commission announced.

FIG downgraded Shao Bin's status as a judge and ordered him to pay about $8,800 in legal costs.

Shao denied the charges and said FIG lacked evidence against him.

 

Photo by Ji Chunpeng / China Daily

9. Rough times for men's volleyball

In sharp contrast to its female counterparts' performance, the Chinese men's volleyball team ranked 11th at the World Cup in Japan, with only one win against Iran. As an underdog, China could not rival powerhouses like Russia, Italy, Poland and the US, and also fell easily to teams like Egypt and Japan. Compared with the women's team, which has already earned a berth at the London Olympics next year after finishing third at the World Cup, the men's team has to fight with other Asian teams for a possible spot at the Olympic qualifying tournament next year.

China Daily