CHN – Yao and Yi popularity soars in China

BEIJING (Olympics) - China national team stars Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian rank first and third on this year’s Forbes China Celebrity List.

The March issue of Forbes China, the Chinese-language edition of Forbes magazine, recognized Houston Rockets center Yao as the number one for the sixth year running, while New Jersey Nets forward Yi climbed one rung on the ladder to third.

Both Asian basketball icons were constantly in the media glare in 2008 during the build-up to the Olympics and at the Beijing Games, with Yao serving as China’s flagbearer at the event’s Opening Ceremonies.

The two were constantly in the spotlight in 2008 and not just because of their performances on the court.

Both benefitted from endorsement deals with Yao gaining exposure from his contracts with McDonald’s and VISA and Yi receiving plenty of publicity thanks to his association with Nike.

Zhang Ziyi, a 30-year-old actress, is number two on the list which was compiled by Forbes China.

The list considered the popularity and income of prominent men and women in movies, sports, media and music in mainland China. It is modeled on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list.

Celebrities from Hong Kong and Taiwan, like Jackie Chan and Jay Chou, were not included.

FIBA