It will be only one-quarter the length of a normal race for Law Hiu-fung, but Hong Kong's top sculler and medal hope is not taking anything for granted as he prepares his assault on Macau. The rowing course at the Nam Van Lake nautical centre - shared with dragon boat racing - is a maximum 500 metres, far short of the Olympic distance of 2,000 metres. But less distance does not necessarily translate into more success for Law (pictured). 'I'm sprinting better these days. All the competition and experience has helped me a lot and my muscles are becoming used to the hard work in the initial stages of a race. But I still have a lot of work to do,' Law says candidly. At 21, Law, Hong Kong's top lightweight singles sculler, has achieved a lot. But coach Chris Perry is looking for more from his charge. And the immediate goal is success at the East Asian Games, followed by next year's all-important Asian Games in Doha. Law will also be taking part in the National Games in China next month - on a full 2,000-metre course. But Perry is not too worried about that. 'It has been a long and hard season for Law. He took part in the world championships in Japan in August, and before that in the under-23 world championships. It has been several big races but now the aim is to look ahead to the Asian Games,' Perry says. 'Macau will be an ideal preparation for Doha, which will also have a shortened course of 1,000 metres. We have switched our focus to sprinting and all our preparation in the short term will be to hone his sprinting prowess,' Perry says. For the next 14 months or so, until Doha in December 2006, Hong Kong rowing's priority will be focused on giving Law and the rest of the squad as much competition as possible over the shorter distances. The Macau games are just what the doctor ordered - especially for Law. 'He is not known for sprinting at the start of a race, although he showed signs of improvement at the world championships. He has made progress and he will have to continue working on this aspect,' Perry says. Law, one of two Hong Kong entrants who took part in last year's Athens Olympics, is confident of winning a medal in Macau. 'I have a very good chance of winning a medal in the lightweight singles,' he says. And he will be aiming for gold. Four years ago, rowing was a demonstration sport at the third East Asian Games in Osaka, Japan. On that occasion a 17-year-old Law showed glimpses of his capabilities when he collected three medals - but no gold. 'I won a silver in the men's lightweight quads and bronze in the eights and the single sculls,' Law says. 'But it was just a demonstration sport then. It is the real thing now and I'm looking forward to doing well.'
