CHN – New China coach Guo all smiles after wins over Australians

NINGBO (Friendly Series) – China swept Australia 2-0 in a couple of friendly games this week as they stepped up their preparations for the FIBA Asia Championship.

The Chinese, who need to finish in the top three of the Asia Championship (August 6-16) they are hosting in Tianjin City to qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, beat the Australians 84-78 and 74-61.

China’s Wang Zhizhi poured in 20 points in the first win and also came up with six steals, while in the second triumph Zhu Fangyu had 14.

New head coach Guo Shiqiang of China was buzzing after the second victory.

"It's a win of defense," said coach Guo. "We knew them better after the first game and played much better defense, especially in the first half."

Without centers Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, Liaoning youngster Li Xiaoxu is getting a chance to play and he’s making the most of the opportunity.

Li had nine points and four rebounds in the first win, 13 and nine in the second.

"He did a very good job in the past two games," Guo said.

"He did not show any pressure playing on home soil. Home fans give us huge support and I appreciate that."

Meanwhile, the news on the left foot injury suffered by Yao in the NBA play-offs isn’t good.

The Houston Rockets’ team doctor, Tom Clanton, said to the Houston Chronicle: "At this point, the injury has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career threatening.

"One of the things we are trying to get is a consensus opinion on that, to make certain there is no option we are overlooking that would provide an earlier return or would be an option for treatment that he would prefer rather than doing additional surgery."

FIBA