In the aftermath of a disappointing defeat, Chinese center Yao Ming, seen here in 2003, had something enjoyable to contemplate - a place in next month's National Basketball Association All-Star Game. [AFP]

China's Yao Ming overtook Shaquille O'Neal in the final balloting and will be the starting centre for the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association All-Star Game for the second straight year.

The popularity of the 7ft 5in Yao has been proven in All-Star fan balloting over the last two years as he has received more votes than the sport's biggest star, relegating O'Neal to reserve status in the league's mid-season showcase.

After the third returns were announced earlier this month, Yao trailed O'Neal by roughly 26,000 votes.

But the second-year centre of the Houston Rockets may have benefited from a internet voting which opens the balloting to more than a billion people in Yao's native China.

Statistically, it should have been no contest. Despite his injury, O'Neal remains one of the most dominant players in the game, averaging 19.6 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers. Yao is averaging 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.

Yao received 1,484,531 votes. O'Neal collected 1,453,286 but should make his eighth All-Star appearance - and come off the bench in his hometown.

The 53rd All-Star Game is February 15 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will feature the same 10 elected starters as last year's game.

The leading vote-getter again was Toronto Raptors swingman Vince Carter, who received 2,127,183 votes and will start at forward for the Eastern Conference.

It is the fourth straight time Carter has been the league's top vote-getter. This year, he outpolled Detroit Pistons centre Ben Wallace by nearly 150,000 votes.

Michael Jordan and Julius Erving are the only others to receive the most votes at least three times.

Joining Carter and Wallace in the Eastern Conference frontcourt is Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal.

The backcourt features Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers and Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic.

The other Western Conference starters are guards Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and Steve Francis of the Rockets and forwards Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves and two-time NBA MVP Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

Bryant is free on bail after being charged with raping a female Colorado hotel employee last year.

He should feel much more welcome at this year's game. A six-time All-Star, he was the MVP two years ago in his hometown of Philadelphia, where he was stung by boos from fans remembering his Lakers defeating the 76ers in the previous season's NBA Finals.

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