Yao getting ready for World Championships that start tomorrow in Japan
August 18th, 2006by John
Yao works out with Wang ZhiZhi in Sapporo, Japan in their second practice on Thursday. Click here for more photos taken leading up to the World Championships starting in Japan on Saturday.Things have been heating up in Japan over the past couple of days leading to the start of the World Championships that start tomorrow. As always, we’ve got pictures from events leading up to it.
Click here to see a page with the following:
– Photos of Yao and the Chinese team at the Shanghai airport before taking a flight to Sapporo. You’ll see Yao in some pretty cool shades, as well as yawning big-time. That’s the first time we’ve seen photos of that!
– Some comments Yao made about how he may have overestimated his readiness after undergoing rehabilitation on his foot all summer long, and Yao’s trainer Anthony Falsone squashing rumors that the Rockets were were opposed to Yao playing in the World Championships because of his foot.
Click here to see photos taken from the Chinese team’s first practice on Thursday (yes, sometimes they practice twice a day).
Click here to read an article where Yao says he promises the Chinese will advance to the round of 16 teams.
Click here to see photos of Yao and players from other teams (like Lebron, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo) at an opening event for teams participating in the World Championships.
Here is a schedule of the Chinese team’s games at the Worlds (times are Japan time):
Saturday, August 19: China vs. Italy – 7:30pm (6:30am US EDT)
Sunday, August 20: China vs. USA – 7:30pm (6:30am US EDT, televised on ESPN2 live)
Tuesday, August 22: China vs. Puerto Rico – 1:30pm (12:30am US EDT)
Wednesday, August 23: China vs. Senegal – 1:30pm (12:30am US EDT)
Thursday, August 24: China vs. Slovenia – 1:30pm (12:30am US EDT)
If you’re interested in the USA team schedule (or any other schedule), click here for the schedule as well as the broadcast schedule.