Softball star Jennie Finch said she, like his Chinese fans, was disappointed not to be able to see hurdling star Liu Xiang compete at the Games.

Softball star Jennie Finch, the gold medalist of  the Athens Olympic Games, poses for photographer. [China Daily]

Speaking to China Daily before her semi-final match on August 20, she said: "I think it is very unfortunate Liu had to withdraw. He is one of the best, so I was looking forward to seeing him at his best competing. Unfortunately, injuries happen and you can't control everything."

"You know, one thing I love about softball is that it's a team sport. You play 10 days and it's not one day, one event, one 30 seconds stint and it's over. There is a lot of pressure with individual sports, especially for the Olympics."

It is the 27-year-old's second trip to Beijing. She was here in 2006 for the World Softball Championships, and took her three-month son with her to visit the Great Wall, and Forbidden City.

Jennie Finch of the US pitches to Venezuela during a women's preliminaries softball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in this August 12, 2008 file photo. [Agencies]

Due to her hectic schedule, Finch did not have enough time to fully explore the city of Beijing in 2006.

This time, however she seems to have noticed a lot more. In particular, she said: "The city is absolutely beautiful, very clean， and we've really enjoyed our visit here. All the venues are absolutely amazing, which is pretty incredible. The local people have been super nice, and very hospitable and they are very excited to have us here. It's exciting to see they love sports and the Olympics."

Facing her semi-final on August 20, Finch exudes great confidence in her team. "Our plan is to win the gold medal. We've worked really hard. Hopefully, we will be much stronger than the Japanese team."