Talking Balls: Li Na Tidbits, Football Shorts & Will The NBA Take Over China?

First off, for those who missed the Harlem Globetrotters in Sanlitun’s Union Bar & Grille on Monday – we’ve a video below for you. The video was shot by 1F’s Jack Zhou.

Now back to the important sports tales and we all know that means Li Na. Li returned to Beijing after Wimbledon and appeared at a homecoming celebration at Sanlitun Soho. Her failure at the London event means she has dropped to #6 in the world. Li has also played down talk of her assuming a role in the government. Also, a story emerged this week that Li Na was donating her RMB 600,000 prize from the Hubei government to an old people’s home – which she donated directly rather than through the Chinese Red Cross. It appears that this story, and the old people’s home in question, is false. Finally, Hubei’s Party chief said that Li’s French Open win was “a demonstration of the superiority of socialism with Chinese characteristics under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.” Good to know.

China’s VP, Xi Jinping, recently visited Korea and on receiving a gift of a football shirt spoke of his three wishes. They are 1) China’s World Cup qualification, 2) hosting of the World Cup and 3) winning the World Cup. That’s what we’d expect from a man who stands to take over the country.

More on the future of Hao Junmin comes in the news that Schalke agreed to sell the player to Hangzhou but he refused to go. Hao’s contract – signed under former-team manager Felix Magath – only expires in 2013. The German club’s GM said “We told him (Junmin) that he is in a difficult situation with us and we suggested a change of club.” Who knows what the future holds? We weren’t the only ones making a mistake with this story. Focus.de and the AFP both used a photo of Hao’s Japanese teammate, Atsuto Uchida, in their coverage.

Hao may not want to return to China but Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas has been here on his charity work. He’s here with his TV presenter girlfriend but don’t worry if you miss him as he’ll be back with his teammates to play in Tianjin next month. More footballers willing to come to China – and on a more permanent basis – include Marlon Harewood and Derek Riordan.

Team China have been handed an easy group in the upcoming Asian Championships. London 2012 looks a step closer for the Bob Donnewald’s team while the coach himself has confirmed that he will take over at Xinjiang Flying Tigers after parting company with Shanghai Sharks last month.

The CBA could have competition next season. Reports are flooding the internet that the NBA’s current impasse over pay will mean that America’s finest players may be on court in China. More on this here and here.

Last but not least, both Beijing Cricket Club and Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club had events held events last weekend. Both were great successes – congratulations. Look out for more from both in the future.

Photo: Schalke04.com