CBA chief praises women's coach Maher

Fans should send China's Australian basketball coach Tom Maher thank-you notes after he led the women's team into the semifinals, Chinese hoops boss Li Yuanwei said yesterday.

"I want to write him a thank-you note. He's done a brilliant job," Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) chief Li said after China outclassed Belarus 77-62 yesterday. "We have trusted Maher 100 percent no matter how difficult our situation has been. Today he paid back my trust in perfect fashion."

Maher's side has been in sizzling form at the Games, wrapping up the preliminary stage with four wins and one loss. Li admitted Maher is the driving force.