Yao leads China past Iran 76-61 in Champions
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-09-09 07:08

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming led China to beat Iran 76-61 in the opener of the 23rd Asian Basketball Championships on Thursday in Doha.

China team players celebrate after winning against Iran during the 23th Asian Basketball Championships at Al-Gharrafa hall in Doha, Qatar September 8, 2005. [Reuters]

Yao Ming collected 29 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks in the match. He was double-teamed from the very beginning, but he soon got Iranian centers into foul trouble and made 23 free throws.

The Chinese team suffered from a slow start in the match as they could not find the way to stop the Iranians from scoring out of the arc. They even legged behind 12-11 after the first period.

But as the Iranians committed more fouls and sent Yao Ming time and again to the line, the Chinese team gradually gained an upper hand and pulled away to lead 57-50 after the third period.

The fourth period was totally dominated by the Chinese team.

Yao Ming was just unstoppable. He did an excellent job at both ends of the court and led China to a comfortable 76-61 win.

China will play Chinese Taipei while Iran takes on Uzbekistan on Friday.

Close

Isinbayeva, gatlin and Nelson 'Virgen del Puerto' bullfighting fair Gianluigi Buffon and Alena Seredova

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Siberian oil pipeline to go to China first: Putin         China to expand relations with Canada: Hu         ADB: China economy to grow 9.2% this year         Showbiz opens up to foreign investors         Officer acquitted in beating of Chinese tourist         Wu : Co-operation crucial for peace	Armstrong more than welcome: Tour of Spain director       Yao leads China past Iran 76-61 in Champions       Federer, a tranquil victor, triumphs to meet Hewitt       Beckham backs Eriksson as knives point at England       Hewitt advances to U.S. Open semifinals       NBA stars to play in Katrina relief game