Talking Balls: China Says No To Kobe, China Says Yes To Students & Beer Is Good For You
The NBA lockout has been of extreme interest to CBA fans as it means that the Chinese league may see an influx of stars. Shanxi Fenjiu announced that they had a deal in place with Kobe Bryant, which caused yet more frenzy and speculation. That has been put to an end now as the CBA has taken the very sensible decision that players cannot have an opt-out clause to return to the NBA, and that only free agents who are willing to commit to at least a year will be eligible to sign on. The bad news? No Kobe. The good news? Yes to Tracy McGrady, Mike Bibby, Tyson Chandler and 121 other players. The CBA might resemble NBA Jam a little more next year.
You will all well know that Georgetown and Bayi Rockets had a bit of "handbags" in their recent game. Coverage has been all over the Internet – due in part to the scrap coinciding with VP Joe Biden's visit to Beijing – but nothing has captured it quite like this video from Sportsgrid. Props to China Sports Today for highlighting the clip.
Jose Camacho has only been China coach for a number of days and already he's a success. China have jumped four places in the FIFA rankings to joint 69th with Guinea. Credit should really go to the players and former coach Gao.
China won the Universiade in Shenzhen by topping the medal table. The Universiade won by apparently trouncing the TV viewing figures of the NBA in China. There's been no explanation of what the statement actually means but if taken on face value that's good going for some enthusiastic students, many of whom will now fade into obscurity and middle management.
If you're planning to run the Beijing Marathon next month, you will be pleased to hear that beer will aid your recovery. The proof is in this New York Times article. The bad news is that it's only non-alcoholic beer that's said to be good for you. Tsingtao might be close enough.
Inter Milan launched their new kit while they were in Beijing earlier this month. Why they'd choose the backdrop of a Beijing sky to sell merchandise is anyone's guess. AC Milan have not quite left yet – the club have an AC Milan Park at Gongti North Gate. Apparently, it's RMB 80 to get in and experience such authentic Italian football experiences as diving training, attacking the opposition's assistant coach and watching paint dry as you hold on to a 1-0. It should be pointed out that these attractions are not on the official list.
Li Na has been drawn against the Romanian, Simon Halep, in the first round of the upcoming US Open. Exciting stuff.
A massive yo ho ho to the Beijing Sailing Centre team that won the flagship Beneteau First 40 class 2011 Lushang Cup at the Qingdao International Sailing Regatta. We didn't understand a word of that but we do understand that the bottles of rum will be at Kokomo on sunday at 9pm. Head over there – they promise that no one will have to walk the plank.
