Talking Balls: Lasers, Banquets and Raquetsports rackets

Controversy abounds with Beijing Guoan. This time there's a nod to the future as Guoan fans caused terror with lasers. Laser pointers, in a fitting green colour, were used to slow the game down (see photo above) as Beijing's supporters tried to stop Chengdu increasing their 2-0 first half lead. Guoan rescued a point thanks to goals from the Griffiths brothers, and thanks in part to the referee who allowed the equaliser to stand despite some fouls in the buildup. Guoan remain second in the CSL standings behind Shangdong Luneng who lost to Changchun.

Bai Xue became the first Chinese gold medal winner in the marathon during the 2009 World Championships. This was also the first gold medal for China during the Berlin event. Bai went back to her home town of Yi'an County in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province where she received RMB 50, 000 cash from the county magistrate. The Bai family set up 70 banquets for relatives and friends to celebrate the success. Bai Xue's father, Bai Wenxi, has been so busy he's only had time to eat one mantou in the last two days. He has had the time to slaughter two pigs for his guests. Bai Xue only has two days at home before training for the National Games, all of which has been taken up with marathon banquetting.

The China Open tennis tournament is set to star Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic. Local representatives come in the form of Li Na, Zheng Jie and Peng Shuai. More interesting than the tennis talent is that this year the event is getting a theme song. Zhang Liangying and Yang Kun will provide the inevitable pop genius.