Doubles may be dumped in 2008

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) wants to drop the doubles from the next Olympics in Beijing and stop China from winning so many medals.

ITTF president Adham Sharara said the federation plans to replace the pairs in Beijing with a team event.

"We have submitted an official proposal to the IOC regarding changes to be made," Sharara said.

"A decision is expected in 2005 and we are optimistic that it will be a positive one, provided the number of players and judges doesn't change."

China has won 11 of the 12 golds medals decided at the last three Olympics, including Athens, but there are concerns their domination is unhealthy for the sport.

The Chinese invariably win two medals in most events so a new rule was introduced in Athens to prevent players from the the same country meeting in the final.

Under the proposed rule change for Beijing, China's medal count will be reduced because countries will only be allowed to enter one team.

Sharara denied the changes were designed to stop China from winning, saying the changes were made to render table tennis more "attractive and more modern".