Veteran table tennis star Chan Tan-lui said she was ready to quit the sport after partnering youngster Song Ah-sim to an unexpected silver medal win in yesterday's women's doubles.
Chan, who has played at representative level for Hong Kong for 10 years, said she doubted she would still be playing in two years at the Sydney Olympics.
The talented 29-year-old said she is hoping to find work with the Hong Kong Table Tennis Association and wants to let other, younger players come through the ranks to fill her shoes.
'Ten years is a long time for anybody. In my heart I want to stop playing because I feel it is time to do something new. I'm going to take a break and then decide next year,' Chan said.
Chan had initially planned to retire last year, but agreed to one last hurrah at the Asian Games after answering an SOS call from the HKTTA when her long-serving partner Chai Po-wa announced she would not be available.
'When Chai Po-wa said she would not be able to play in Bangkok the association asked me not to retire, because I was experienced and could lead the younger players,' she said after Hong Kong lost 21-8, 21-7 to China's Wang Nan and Li Ju in yesterday's final at the Thammasat University sports complex.
'Although I want to stop playing, it's possible I might do it again depending on what the table tennis association says,' said Chan, a veteran of three Asian Games starting in 1990.