CHN - China beaten despite Yao return

NANJING (FIBA World Championship/Stankovic Cup) - Yao Ming`s return to the China team ended on a losing note as Dirk Nowitzki inspired Germany to an 82-73 win in the Stankovic Continental Champions Cup in Nanjing.

Yao has been out of action for around four months after needing surgery on a broken foot he suffered while playing for the Houston Rockets against the Utah Jazz in April.

The 7ft 5in center linked up with his international team-mates a fortnight ago and had been tipped to return in the clash against the United States earlier this week.

However, he missed that game, which China lost 119-73, and had to wait until Friday`s contest with Germany to finally play in a competitive match.

Yao enjoyed a steady outing in the game, scoring 11 points, hauling down two rebounds and handing out two assists in a 21 minute run-out.

However, it was Nowitzki who stole the plaudits with a superb display, the superstar forward scoring 16 of his 27 points in the final period to lead Germany to victory. Nowitzki also claimed 12 of his side`s 38 rebounds.

Germany coach Dirk Bauermann was pleased with his team`s display but highlighted the contributions of Nowitzki and Patrick Femerling, who had the task of marking Yao, as key to the victory.

"It was an important step for us. We have improved in all areas, especially in rebounding. Dirk was very strong in the second half, and Patrick defended sensationally against Yao Ming. We can build on this performance," he said.

For China, the result was less significant than the return of Yao, of whom much will be expected at the FIBA World Championship.

Still only 25, Yao has been playing internationally since he was a teenager and has led his country to four consecutive Asian Championship titles while also taking part in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and the 2002 World Championship.

"Yao had really only five days training with the team, but he was a big help to the team, especially on the boards," China coach Jonas Kazlaukas said after the match.

"He boosted the spirit of the team and I think the team will do better with him. But his team-mates are not always ready to give the ball to him."

Although he was able to welcome back Yao, Kaslauskas was still without Wang Zhizhi.
The 7ft center suffered a torn knee ligament during a friendly clash with France last month and also missed the game against the US.

By PA Sport