Li is seen as the last chance for the ailing runner, who has not yet qualified for this summer's Beijing Olympics.

"There is not much time left. I hope I will get back to my best form under Li," Xing said.

When the two last paired up at a training camp in 2006, however, things did not pan out as planned.

Xing joined a group of US-bound Chinese athletes training with Li but failed to improve as she expected and only exacerbated her knee injury.

Chinese athletics officials have been quick to defend Xing's choice and claim Li remains the best available solution.

"This time her body is in perfect shape and I am sure the outcome will be different," said CAA chief Feng Shuyong.

Xing faces a difficult road ahead. She must qualify for the Games by May and then hit peak form in the interim.

First, she needs a US visa, which will entail a few weeks' wait. Until then, she will train with local coach Yin Yanqin.

"I dare not think about my Olympic chances. The most important thing is to start training properly as soon as possible and get in competitive shape for the upcoming qualifiers," she said.

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