BEIJING (WCBA) - Ting Shao has underlined her new-found status as the centrepiece of women's basketball in China after receiving the MVP accolade at the WCBA All-Star Game.

Having only made her major tournament debut with the China national team at the FIBA World Championship for Turkey last year, the rise to prominence of Shao shows no signs of slowing down.

She posted a terrific 12.3 points per game in Istanbul and became the new poster girl for women's basketball in her homeland as fans look to new a new crop of talent after the retirement of big name Olympians such as Lijie Miao.

Continuing the momentum from her first global outing, the Beijing Great Wall forward led the North All-Star Team to a 111-96 success against the South All-Star Team with a stellar 24 points.

That was more than enough for her to be crowned MVP as the North stars caught fire during the third period, with an 11-0 run providing them with the platform needed to take victory and avenge last year's loss.

Shao told the local media: "I really enjoyed the All-Star Game. It's a good chance to meet new and old friends.

"And, it's also a good chance to play with some of the best players like Maya Moore and (Brittney) Griner."

Not that Shao doesn't get the chance to play regularly with club team-mate Griner.

It was a great day for the Beijing club since it was their other frontcourt favourite in Griner who also came up with 24 points in the contest to demonstrate why they are one of the favourites to wrestle away the WCBA title from Shanxi Rui Flame.

Both players will now spearhead their team in the Quarter-Finals this week against Guangdong.

USA national team standout Griner also got the All-Star Game fans on their feet as she entertained the large crowd by throwing down no fewer than three dunks.

The South All-Star Team were led by Sylvia Fowles, who poured in a game-high 25 points.

Moore won the three-point shootout contest and versatile China national team wing player Yanyan Ji topped the podium in the skills challenge.

FIBA