IN BRIEF (Page 22)

SOCCER

Olympic coach Djukovic questions Ferguson

SHENYANG: Beijing Games head coach Ratomir Dujkovic hinted on Wednesday that Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhuo failed to join his team because of a "fake" injury.

"I don't know whether Dong was injured himself or Sir Alex Furgeson did not let him go," Djukovic said. "Maybe you should firstly ask the coach of Manchester United."

Dong failed to reach Shenyang in time for the opening match of the Olympic team at a four-nation invitational tournament which kicked off on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old Dong, the sensation of China's attacking lineup, was reported to have injured his ankle in the English Premier League club's 3-0 victory in Guangzhou, South China, on Friday during their Asian Tour.

Charlton keen on re-signing China star Zheng Zhi

Charlton Athletic are interested in bringing back China international Zheng Zhi.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a successful loan stint with The Addicks towards the end of last season, but returned to Shandong Luneng after the club failed to maintain their Premier League status.

Newcastle United and Birmingham City are believed to be keen on the versatile midfielder, but Charlton have entered the mix and their offer of regular first-team football could be appealing.

According to Zheng's agent Gao Li, the player has welcomed Charlton's interest and is not ruling out a return to his former club.

"Charlton are keen admirers of Zheng's abilities," Li told the Chinese media.

"The club are interested in having him back for another season.

"It is possible for Zheng to return, but the move will require approval from me, the player and the Chinese Football Association."

BASKETBALL

China overpowers New Zealand 93-63

China beat New Zealand 93-63 in their fourth game at the Stankovic Cup in Macao yesterday.

Yi Jianlian scored a team-high 17 points and former NBA player Wang Zhizhi, who skipped two games with a cold, hit 14 and Wang Shipeng added 13 points and six assists to give China its second win at the tournament.

"I'm happy to see him play at his level," said head coach Jonas Kazlauskas of Yi.

China led the game 42-24 at halftime and held off a late counter-attack before grasping the final win.

This is the first time that all five of China's regular Stankovic starters racked up double digits.

China plays against their last rival, the D-League Ambassadors, tonight.

(China Daily 08/02/2007 page22)