Talking Balls: AI, Transfer Records & The Champion Ducks Smashed
In football news, Guangzhou have completed the signing of Lucas Barrios from back-to-back German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. He's cost EUR 8.5 million - a new CSL record - and was the German league's topscorer during Dortmund's first championship. Chinese football has finally gotten its first star player.
The CSL won't be stopped there in its quest to buy up world-class footballers. While Didier Drogba may not be coming, the latest (although admittedly not that world-class anymore) is Manchester United's Michael Owen. The diminutive racehorse fan is said to have attracted the attentions of Shanghai Shenhua player-boss Nicolas Anelka. Maybe United will drop Owen off when they tour China this summer?
Finally, you may have read of Beijing Guoan taking a hiding in the AFC Champions' League in midweek but they weren't the only ones. China Sports Review has an article on the fate of Chinese teams in the competition. All may not be lost for Chinese football; China Sports Review also ponders whether the current corruption trial is the perfect time for lasting reforms.
Over to basketball news: With the CBA season done and dusted, it's now silly season for hoop fans. Beijing had a recent visit from the Harlem Globetrotters. When they weren't entertaining the afternoon drunks in Union Bar & Grille (again), they were spreading the love in local schools. Here are some excellent photos and our favorite below.
There's been more b-ball news of late and much of it about Allen Iverson, the man once known as The Answer. His presence in China is leading to a lot of questions over whether he'll play in the CBA next season. While he's currently smashing the Beijing Ducks on a legends tour with the likes of Dennis Rodman, there is speculation that he'll be joining countryman Marbury in China. Here are some photos of what Allen Iverson in China has looked like so far.
And finally, three full weeks of Who's Hot and Who's Not in Chinese Sports are here, here and here. Bumper fun.
