Ailing China need more training and games - Yao

China centre Yao Ming has called for more training and competition to boost the country's ailing basketball team, which has struggled in matches against lowly club sides in recent weeks.

China wrapped up a three-game series against touring Australian club side Brisbane Bullets with an 82-62 win on Monday, after posting an embarrassing one-point loss in their first game that drew criticism from Yao and scorn in local newspapers.

"The China men's team is still not very stable," Yao said in comments published by the Beijing News yesterday.

"We lost points in a few short minutes in our first match with the Bullets, which led to our defeat. In our second, we prepared a bit better and were able to win by a few points.

"We have the capability of reaching this level, but this will take more training and competition," Yao said.

China endured a dismal run of losses in practice matches against NBA and European club sides over the summer in a campaign aimed at lifting the country's competitiveness in preparation for the Olympics.