I WAS astounded to read the commentary "Women just can't take the pressure" (my paper, Aug 11) in which the writer argues that women are not cut out for extreme pressure at the highest sporting levels because they are more emotional than men.

As evidence for this, he cites the example of Chinese woman shooter Du Li, who crumbled under pressure when the competition was tight.

If this is indeed the case, no woman would set world records at "big" events against the tightest competition.

If this is indeed the case, Guo Wenjun, winner of the women's 10m air-pistol final, would not have outscored Pang Wei, winner of the men's 10m air-pistol final, 102.3 to 102.2 for their 10 final shots under extreme pressure and competition.

Du Li might have succumbed to pressure, but so have many men before her.

Speaking as a man, I am thankful for this. Otherwise, women reading the article would be led to think that all men were irrational.

Dr Michael Ewing-Chow

For more my paper stories click here.