Zhang at the top of her game

Life is full of ups and downs, and since 2000, China's No 1 female golfer Zhang Na knows that as well as anyone.

Next year's wushu tournament aims to increase sport's appeal

The Beijing 2008 Wushu Tournament, an international martial arts competition held on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympic Games next year, will feature 15 events for both men and women and should attract about 120 wushu players from all over the world, event officials announced on Tuesday.

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NBA

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Sports China

Local figure skaters hope to shine at ISU Grand Prix

Despite just missing out on a gold medal to open the season at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix, China's world champion pair Pang Qing and Tong Jian expect to sparkle spectators in their hometown later this week.

Yao feeling derailed by new offense

Suddenly, Yao Ming is running the show. Since his rookie year, the perennial All Star has kept his team grounded. Jeff Van Gundy's system - the only NBA offense Yao's ever known - gave the center a predictable and unchanging role: stay on the block and look for the ball.

Tennis team back to full strength

The injuries and endless losses are gone. China's women's tennis players are ready to make the last-minute sprint towards the Beijing Olympics, and with only 10 months to go, it's about time.

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Golf

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Sports China

Breakdown of Yi's breakout

The kid is a quick learner. After an inconsistent and foul-plagued first couple of games, Yi Jianlian found his groove in the Bucks' home opener against the Bulls at the Bradley Center, leading his team to its first win of the season. His 16 points and 8 rebounds - both career highs by far - and timely defensive work allowed the Bucks to keep control of the game and keep their division-rival foes winless. Coach Krystkowiak has been saying all along that Yi is an incredibly quick study. Yi proved his coach right on Sunday.