A number of Chinese media are reporting today that Tang Jun, president of China's leading online game operator Shanda (SNDA), will soon resign from his post.

News of Tang's departure comes days after rival game company The9 (NCTY) had a shuffle in the executive suite with former China.com chief and CCTV hostess Chen Xiaowei taking over as president.

The rumor about Tang's resignation has actually never subsided since he first joined Shanda in early 2004. However, it has grown stronger this time and some media, including Bianews.com, are reporting that Tang has already submitted a resignation report and will leave Shanda this week.

In response to the rumor, Tang, who is participating in China's Olympics Torch Relay, says he has not yet submitted a resignation report as his agreement with Shanda has not expired. But he has not revealed directly whether he will resign or not.

Tang had reportedly promised Shanda not to quit within three years after joining the company and now he has safely made it past that milestone. Tang, a veteran IT professional, left Microsoft (China) and joined Shanda in February 2004.