Sailors to slug it out

According to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), 400 competitors from 62 nations and regions will compete for medals in 11 competitions in Qingdao.

Sailing competitions are unpredictable thanks to the changeable weather, leaving more room for people to speculate on the possible results.

Over 2,500 sailors attended competitions at 10 qualification regattas across Europe, Oceania and North America to gain their nation a place at the Games.

Among Chinese competitors, women's windsurfer Yin Jian, men's windsurfer Wang Aichen and Xu Lijia in Laser Radial event are medal contenders.

The 21-year-old Xu Lijia stands at the forefront of the ever-increasing Chinese challenge. She won the 2006 sailing world championships and is currently ranked second worldwide.

Australia will be one of the most competitive teams with three competitors currently ranked No 1 in three of the 11 events, including Tom Slingsby of Laser who won the champion at the Kiel Week held in Germany. The country was ranked second on the medal tally of the 2007 Qingdao International Regatta with two golds, one silver and one bronze.