Huang jianxiang, chinese commentator, world cup
Chinese most popular sports commentaror. [sina.com]

Well-Known sportscaster Huang Jianxiang has formally resigned from China Central Television (CCTV), Jiang Heping, head of the station's sports center confirmed yesterday.

Reports said Huang would be joining Shanghai Dragon TV, run by Shanghai Media Group, as channel director. But a Dragon TV senior official, who preferred to be anonymous, denied the report Thursday, according to sina.com.

Huang was dropped as one of CCTV's top 10 sportscasters after causing a nationwide uproar for his Forza Italia outburst during the World Cup soccer finals.

Huang hasn't sounded as passionate since his outburst and has become the focus of rumors that he would be dismissed sooner or later.

Huang is famous for his passionate commentary. Many Chinese soccer fans much prefer his style to CCTV's traditional drab style that emphasizes accuracy and neutrality.

As one of the best-known TV hosts and the most knowledgeable and passionate soccer commentator in China, Huang can't hide his preferences on air.

While commentating on the Italy-Australia game in June, Huang was unable to control his enthusiasm when Italian Fabio Grosso went down in a challenge and a last-minute penalty was converted.

"Goooooal! Game over! Italy wins! Beat the Australians!" he shouted. "Italy the great! Left back the great! Happy birthday to (Paulo) Maldini! Forza Italia!"

Huang, who next day apologized for "inappropriate comments which upset and hurt the audience," said afterwards the hoarse outburst was just "a technical mistake."

But Huang doesn't believe he over-stepped the mark he told Xinhua in an interview.

A dozen short films mocking his passionate, straight-talking comments are now popular online. But Huang has shrugged off the Internet mockery saying he is merely "paying the price for being famous."

Editor: Donald