Wang Zhizhi's injury complicates worlds prep

China's first NBA player, Wang Zhizhi, pulled a ligament and will be out of action for at least two weeks, further complicating China's preparations for next month's world championships in Japan.

The 2.12-metre centre, who played for Dallas, the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami, suffered the injury during the third quarter of China's 76-57 loss to hosts France in an international friendly on Monday, according to Chinese media reports and the basketball association.

Wang had been added to the team after Houston Rockets All Star Yao Ming broke his fifth metatarsal in his left foot on April 10.

Wang's return followed a reconciliation with the Chinese Basketball Association, which kicked Wang off the national team for refusing to return for team duties following his 2001-2002 rookie NBA season.

Wang issued an apology in April, saying he had let down his country and telling fans: "Big Zhi is back. Big Zhi won't let you down."

During his brief NBA career, Wang averaged 4.4 points and 1.7 rebounds. His fame has been eclipsed by the success of 2.29-metre (7-foot-6) Yao, now one of the league's top centres.

Yao's availability for the world championships on August 19 in Sapporo, Japan, is in doubt because he is recovering from foot surgery. He has said his chances of playing in the tournament are "50-50."

China scheduled two warm-ups for the world championships: An August 8 match against the United States in the southern city of Guangzhou and an August 11 to 15 tournament in the eastern city of Nanjing, also featuring Australia, Brazil, France, Germany and Greece.

Source: China Daily