Tid bits

Canoe/kayak

Nike a major player in Team China's show

Chinese athletes hope to make history with top performances at their home Olympics next month. Whatever the results, Nike will play a major part.

Official confirms Yao to return to action this week

China's Yao Ming is likely to play his first competitive game since having surgery on his foot in March at this week's Stankovic Cup pre-Beijing Olympic basketball tournament, local media reported on Tuesday.

Li-Ning to clothe four national teams

While Nike will outfit the bulk of China's Olympic athletes, local sporting apparel giant Li-Ning will provide gear for four major Chinese teams, including table tennis, diving, gymnastics and shooting.

Score board

Cycling

Liang aims high at first British Open

Asia's No 1 Liang Wenchong will make a historic appearance at the British Open this week, fully aware that a strong outing will reinforce the growth of golf in the region.

Feng finishes 4th in Jamie Farr Classic

SYLVANIA, Ohio: Chinese rookie Feng Shanshan shot a 2-under 69 in the final round on Sunday to grab sole possesion of fourth place with a 12-under 272 total at the LPGA Jamie Farr Classic won by American Paula Creamer.

Score board

Baseball

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Yi: Yao in training and looking good

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey: China's NBA all-star Yao Ming is back in training after surgery and looking good for the Beijing Olympics, teammate Yi Jianlian said on Wednesday.

NBA salary cap for next season set at $58.68m

NEW YORK: National Basketball Association clubs will work under a salary cap of $58.68 million for the 2008-09 season, the league announced on Wednesday as the NBA free-agency signing period began.

Cavendish shines, Schumacher leads

CHATEAUROUX, France: Briton Mark Cavendish finally delivered on his position as one of the world's top sprinters when he powered to his first Tour de France stage victory on Wednesday.