China's Yao to return to court in July

Yao Ming, China's most popular sportsman, will make his return from foot surgery to play for his country against Iran in next month's Stankovic Cup. The 7ft 6in (2.29-metre) Houston Rockets centre had his NBA season cut short by a fractured foot in...

Yao Ming, China's most popular sportsman, will make his return from foot surgery to play for his country against Iran in next month's Stankovic Cup.

The 7ft 6in (2.29-metre) Houston Rockets centre had his NBA season cut short by a fractured foot in February and faced a race to be fit to lead China's challenge for basketball gold at the Aug. 8-24 Beijing Olympics.

As well as China and Asian champions Iran, the Stankovic Cup will also feature European champions Russia and African champions Angola. It will take place in Hangzhou, China, from July 17-20.

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