Yi to lead Chinese charge

China have won 14 of the 17 Asia Championships they have participated in but, with an eye on the preparations for the Olympics, fielded a second string team and only finished 10th at the last edition in Japan in 2007.

Iran were crowned continental champions then but the hosts, with three players with NBA experience in their squad, will be strong favourites to emerge as winners of the final of the 16-team tournament on August 16.

"We have to win the championship. The goal has to be realised," said newly-appointed national coach Guo Shiqiang. In-form Yi has dominated China's three warm-up friendlies with an average of 21.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game since he returned from the US.

Another 7' former NBA forward Wang Zhizhi and guard Sun Yue, who has just been released by the champion LA Lakers, should at least see China safely out of opening Group C, which also includes Kazakhstan, Qatar and India.

China open their bid for the title against India on Thursday with the added incentive of a place at next year's world championships in Turkey for the top three finishers in Tianjin.