Luck of draw favours Chan Chun-hing's chances for gold medal at National Games

The luck of the draw has favoured Chan Chun-hing as the mountain biker attempts to claim Hong Kong's first gold medal on the first day of competition at the National Games today.

Chan won a silver medal at the last Games in Shandong four years ago and his target is a colour upgrade in the seven-lap 31-kilometre cross-country race. His task was made just a little easier when he was drawn to start in the second row. "The top eight cyclists from China occupy the first row and since I don't have any ranking in the mainland, I can be drawn anywhere, but fortunately I was drawn in the second row," said the 32-year-old, who won gold at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

"The start is important because if you lose ground in the beginning, you will face big difficulties catching up. The second row is more than ideal."

Chan admitted his results after the Asian Games had hardly been impressive, but as this would definitely be his last National Games, he planned to give his all to end on a high.

"I don't think there is a big gap between me and the top mainlanders. The race is still wide open and my vast international exposure should give me some advantage," he said.

Coach Shen Jinkang said Chan's form had been through a trough, but he was now riding as well as he ever had. "The National Games and the 2014 Asian Games will be two important events for him and he is trying to make a mark before he retires," he said.