Retired star backs team's chance

With media and fans pessimistic about the team's chance to claim gold at the FIBA Asia Championship, Yao Ming said he still considers it the favorite.

"Our main rivals, Iran and South Korea, are both strong teams with sharp offense and aggressive defense. But I think our team still has the best chance to win the championship.

"So far, I have seen great quality in the team's performance. They are generating more chemistry and getting more and more ready," Yao said in the commentator seat after China breezed past Jordan, 93-60, on Tuesday.