Yao Ming back in action for China

Yao Ming made his return to competition Thursday night, in China's Stankovic Cup game against Serbia, played in Hangzhou. Yao, recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, did not start and played only about 12 minutes. He scored 11 points in his first pre-Olympic tuneup, and China won 96-72. Yao shot 7-of-10 from the free throw line and grabbed four rebounds.

Center Wang Zhizhi was China's top scorer with 18 points. The first Chinese player to play in the NBA, Wang's opportunities will likely dwindle once Yao returns to full strength, forcing him to come off the bench. Yi Jianlian was the team's third leading scorer with 14.

For more Yao and China sports news, check out China Sports Today.

Image: Tom Sports