Career highlights: Gold, Athens Olympics; Winner, 2007 World Championships; Runner-up, 2006 World Championships.

To defend his 10-metre air rifle title, sharpshooter Zhu Qinan has to overcome the sport's 'home-venue curse'.

'That's the difference between shooting and other sports,' said Zhu. 'The home 'advantage' could be a disaster for our shooters, it is a real 'home-venue curse'.'

Shooting is also known for its unpredictable results, with the outcome often decided on the final shots of the tournament.

Both Zhu and Du Li, the women's 10m rifle champion at Athens, won their Olympic titles on the final shot four years ago.

But Zhu is more concerned that the 'curse' could be his biggest foe. 'We have learnt from previous Olympics that shooters from the host nation often cannot perform normally due to the pressure and cheering from home fans. So I am trying to stay focused and break the curse,' he said.

Having started his training at the Wenzhou Sports School in 1999, Zhu, 23, is one of the best 10m air rifle shooters in the world, and when in top form is almost unbeatable.

He is also fully focused. No shooter has ever won consecutive Olympic golds in the men's 10m air rifle, but Zhu is confident he can make history. 'My aim is the gold medal,' said Zhu. 'I am ready to carry out my mission.'

National team head coach Wang Yifu had high praise for his shooter. 'He is young, but he appears calm and composed in competition,' said Wang. 'He is one of our top medal hopes.'