Liu's return a boost to Yao's Sharks

SHANGHAI: "Welcome back!"

With a big smile on his face, American Bob Donewald Jr, the new head coach of the Shanghai Sharks basketball club, gave a huge hug to guard Liu Wei, the captain of the team, thus ending the saga of Liu transferring to another club.

The storm, which had started at the end of last month, was finally settled last week. Liu, also the Chinese national team captain, decided to stay with the Shanghai club after long, jaw-aching talks over salary for the coming season. NBA seven-time All-Star Yao Ming, Liu's long-time teammate and close friend, is the owner of the club now, which made Liu's decision of national interest.