Chan keen to join 'Ma's army'

Hong Kong middle-distance runner Maggie Chan Man-yee will get re-acquainted with legendary Chinese coach Ma Junren later this month when the Hong Kong team goes to Shenyan for intensive training.

Chan trained under Ma of 'Ma's Army' fame four years ago, and is keen to be put through her paces by the coach, who has groomed several world-beaters including 5,000 metres Atlanta Olympic gold medallist Wang Junxia.

Chan is currently studying in the United States, and will not be training with the new- look Chinese squad which is replacing the old brigade.

However, the Chinese line- up does include world junior champion Jiang Bo, who beat Wang in the National Championships last year.

She was the only Hong Kong runner to train under Ma in 1993, but this time will be joined by local coach Yip Kai- tak and several junior runners.

Chan, who has set national records in the women's 3,000 m and 5,000 m in the US over the past four weeks, wants to do well in August's University Games, which will be held in Sicily.

She said she was looking forward to working with Ma but stressed: 'I'm not going to push myself too hard this time. Last time, I trained under him, I strained my muscles and I was very sore for a long time.

'I'm sure Ma's runners will be training hard for the All-China Games in October but I will try to avoid over-training.'