Yao Ming back to power China past Iceland
(Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-08-29 09:56

NBA super star Yao Ming powers to lead China past Iceland 89-51 in his first game after recovering from an ankle injury, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Aug. 28, 2005.

Yao scored a game-high 19 points with 9 rebounds in the friendly arranged by Lithuanian coach Jonas Kazlauskas to boost the team's confidence and give more time for Yao Ming to streamline his play with teammates after long-time injury.

Yao had an ankle surgery before coming back from the US in July and was therefore omitted China's national team during the first Stankovic Continental Basketball Cup.

Yao played 31 minutes in the game despite his personal physical trainer's suggestion of 15-25 minutes.

The is China's first win after six consecutive loses, including all three games against New Zealand, Australia and Lithuania at the four-nation championship in Australia last month.

China is to play Iceland again on August 30 in northeast city of Harbin, the last warm-up for the reigning champions before setting off for the Asian Basketball Championship.

The 23th Asian Basketball Championship is scheduled to kick off on September 8, in Doha, capital of Qatar.