【明報專訊】Zhu Ting (朱婷) is the outside hitter (主攻手) of the national women's volleyball team of China. Born to two farmers in Henan (河南), Zhu first represented China in 2013. She immediately impressed volleyball fans with her powerful spikes (扣殺) and outstanding attack efficiency and became a prominent rising star. National team coach Lang Ping (郎平) once praised Zhu for her excellent height and superb agility. The most reliable attacker, Zhu is now the cornerstone of the Chinese team.

■English highway﹕-words and collocations

born

In the past, born and borne were used interchangeably as the past participle of "bear". However, in the late 18th century, the meaning of born was narrowed down to the current usage to mean only "existing as a result of birth". It must be in passive form if used as a verb.

e.g. I was born in Hong Kong. (verb)

e.g. He is a born leader. (adjective)

■Glossary

prominent (adj) 顯眼的

agility (n) 敏捷

reliable (adj) 可靠的

cornerstone (n) 基石