Actress Vicky Zhao and table tennis star Wang Liqin jump head on into a new romance, and a whole mess of problems.

Recently Beijing's paparazzi have pushed their star-spotting skills to a new high: They caught Chinese actress Vicky Zhao Wei and table tennis star Wang Liqin on a date in Beijing. Zhao is an A-list Chinese actress and Wang is a world ranking No.1 athlete and a national team player for the Beijing Olympics. The pictures were thankfully clear enough to see both of their faces as the two walked hand in hand into a Chaoyang Park restaurant. After dinner, the love birds drove to Zhao's house to continue their "talk."

While Zhao has had many successes on screen, her emotional world is rather rough. First she was dating the son of a Chinese biz tycoon, Ye Maoqing, but broke it off because the equally bossy Zhao could not stand Ye's domineering attitude. And then Zhao fell for the son of a high government official, Wang Yu, but this little prince was two-timing Zhao with actress Huang Yi. Heartbroken, Zhao has not had any romantic flings, that we know about, in a year.

Wang is absolutely my favorite table tennis player. Compared with other Chinese celebrity athletes, Wang may not have the boyish good looks of diving champion Tian Liang or hurdle runner Liu Xiang, but he is known for his calm and concentrated manner as he whips balls past his opponent's face. Watching Wang play during the Athens Olympics was so moving that I suddenly became very patriotic. Truth time: I am completely jealous of Zhao's new relationship.

Recently matches (in the bedroom) between star athletes and entertainment stars is all the rage. Even in the West it's happening: Victoria, a.k.a. Posh Spice, and David Beckham are married, Eva Longoria and NBA player Tony Parker are engaged and rumors of Alanis Morissette and Lance Armstrong reigniting their romance abound. In China, diving champ Tian Liang broke up with teammate Guo Jingjing to date 2005 Super Girl winner Ye Yiqian. Now, 30-year-old Zhao is getting it on with 28-year-old Wang.

Unfortunately, Wang's parents and coach seem to be against the relationship. Wang's mother commented that Zhao "is so famous. How can our Liqin measure up?" Wang's father was even more direct: "I hope Miss Zhao will think of my son's future. He is still facing a big game so please do not disturb the best state he is in now." Wang's coach even told the press that Wang has a long time girlfriend in Shanghai, and that there is no room left for Zhao.

Once again, Zhao finds herself on the bumpy road of love. She is not only dating a top sports star, but will also be held responsible for Wang's performance in the upcoming Olympics. Maybe Zhao really should think about what she is doing to her new man's future. They were seen fighting in public recently and Zhao was obviously the instigator. Wang tried to calm her, but to no avail. The next day he lost a match against a player with a much lower ranking. Coincidence? I think not.

On the other hand though, if the relationship is going well, it can be a tremendous boost in an athlete's performance, giving him a sense of balance and comfort. As much as I think Zhao is a spoiled actress, I think she should be given a fair chance. Their fights are probably due to the pressure Wang's parents and coach are putting on them, so if they back off and Zhao can learn to control her temper, they might have a chance in hell.