Yao confident of two wins

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-06 09:32

China, led by center Yao Ming, has modest aims for the Beijing Games. It is not aiming for a medal, just to get to the quarter-finals. With USA, defending champion Argentina, world champion Spain and world runner-up Greece all in the fray, it seems reasonable.

It could also be difficult. China is in six-team pool B along with USA, Spain Greece, Germany and Angola. It will, at the very least, have to beat both Germany and Angola to do that. But Yao is confident his team has the ability. The tougher opponent will be Germany, with their NBA stars, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers center Chris Kaman.

Yao says he and team-mate Yi Jianlian will be able to handle them: "We are not afraid of Germany. Yi has improved tremendously and he can limit Nowitzki. And I can take care of Kaman."

About Angola, Yao is even more dismissive, this despite China's one-point loss to it in the recent Stankovic Cup. "I don't think they are able to pose any real threat at the Games," he said.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/06/2008 page2)