Talking Balls: China Pride, Real Beijing and Odd Fines

Kerr-unch. That’s the sound that the Buffalo Bills are hoping that they will get from their new draft pick Ed Wang. Wang, the Bills’ fifth round pick and 140th overall, has become the first fully Chinese NFL player. Hopes are high that the 6’5”, 315 pound left tackle will do for the NFL what Yao Ming has done for the NBA. Wang comes from good athletic stock, his parents representing Team China in the 1970s at the high jump and 100m hurdles.

With the spotlight firmly on him, Wang says "My Chinese identity is very important to me. Hopefully, this will inspire other Chinese people to learn about and play football as well." Expect to see a lot more of this guy in the months to come as NFL China turn him into the posterboy they have always dreamed of.

Beijing Guoan and Real Madrid are getting linked even more tightly. Sina have quoted a reliable source as saying that the Real President, Fiorentino Perez, will invest RMB 300 million in Guoan. His ambitious plan is for Guoan to feature more Team China players, more top Asian stars such as Lee Dong Gook and Nakamura Kengo, and international stars such as Luis Figo and Gabriel Batistuta. If it comes off expect Gongti to get busier.

In other finance news, Liverpool FC are said to be the subject of a takeover. The man at the centre of the consortium is said to be China-based stockbroker Kenneth Huang. A statement issued on behalf of Mr. Huang has denied this rumour. Wait and see, Liverpool fans.

Back to Beijing’s footballers. Guoan can qualify for the next round of the AFC Champions’ League for the first time ever if they do better than a draw with Kawasaki Frontale at home tomorrow. The match kicks off at 7.45pm. Touts will be waiting for you with tickets if you don’t already have them.

To “slapgate,” as the CBA temple-slapping KO is now known. The CBA have decided that knocking a man unconscious does not warrant a suspension nor does attempting to headbutt another player. Good work. Instead Charles Gaines’ and Du Feng’s teams will be fined RMB 50,000. As an aside Du Feng’s Guangdong won the championship.

Finally, Beijing Ballerz are organizing a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Jianwai Soho Courts on May 1st. It costs RMB 50 per player and there are prizes up for grabs. Info at 139 1023 2884 or www.beijingballerz.com. If you can get the website to work that is.