It all proved to be a step too far for Li Na and Zheng Jie at the Australian Open. Both fell at the Semi-final hurdle. Li Na went down fighting to eventual winner Serena Williams. Zheng Jie was overwhelmed by the resurgent Justine Henin in just 51 minutes – the fastest match of the tournament.

The pair’s strong showings in Melbourne have vindicated the decision to let them split from the management of the Chinese Tennis Association. Gao Shenyang, Deputy Director of the CTA, said "These two players laid the groundwork last year and one year on, they have got a firm foothold. They are mature enough to manage themselves and have also proved that they now have a better understanding of tennis."

Despite going out in the Semis both have leapt forward in the rankings. Zheng Jie is up 15 spots to 20th while Li Na improved seven places to become the first Chinese player with a Top 10 ranking. China’s women’s success has put a focus on the absence of the nation’s men from the pro tour. When asked about the men, Li Na joked “They're still sleeping. They didn't wake up, someday they will wake up."

Football corruption kept the Golden Flowers’ exploits in Melbourne off the sports pages. The General Manager of the Chinese Super League is believed to be in police custody. This followed the detention of the three top officials in the Chinese Football Association last week. Even though over 100 players, owners and officials have been arrested in the probe the CSL season is meant to start on March 20th.

One man who will be there is Joel Griffiths. The Australian has returned to Beijing Guoan and judging by the reaction of one young lady (see above, kiss fans) the Beijing faithful are glad to have him back. Gosh.

Another player has joined Zheng Zhi in playing for a top-class European side. Hao Junmin has swapped Tianjin for Germany’s Schalke 04. The side, currently third in the Bundesliga, have contracted the 22-year old for 18 months. Hao is the third Chinese player to play in the German top flight. The difference between him and countrymen Yang Chen and Shao Jiayi is that he is the first to be offered a contract with having to trial. Hao may make his debut this weekend at Freiburg.

Zheng Zhi has had a poor week for Celtic. Last week brought a 2-1 loss at home to Hibernian and a 1-0 win over Hamilton. Zheng started both games fielded in an unfamiliar wing role. He was substituted in both outings.

The qualifiers for the newly-sponsored Sanyuan Foods 2010 World Snooker China Open begin today. They take place in Wales. Odd as that is the qualifiers for the event which begins on March 29th will be known this Friday.

A story which has received much attention so far amongst sports fans is the arrival of Stephon Marbury in Shanxi. Marbury’s decision appears to be as business related as it is sporting but he posted 15 points on his debut. That ultimately counted for nothing as his new team lost 102-101 to Dongguan.

Finally, Mengke Bateer has furthered his film career. His latest role is as a Herculean-type in upcoming comedy The Arrival of Money God. It sounds hilarious, and if he says so then we’re not arguing.