Yao Ming has reached a settlement with Coca-Cola Co's Chinese subsidiary over a dispute about use of the basketball star's image on commemorative bottles sold around China.

The settlement was reached through mediation late Thursday night, said the Website of the Shanghai native (http://china.yaoming.net). If no settlement was reached, the Shanghai Xuhui District People's Court was scheduled to hear the case on Monday.

The 226-centimeter Houston Rockets and China national team member currently has a sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola's arch rival, PepsiCo. He filed suit in May for violating his image and name, demanding a public apology and one yuan (12 US cents) in compensation.

In its announcement issued Friday, Coca-Cola Co apologized for its actions. The company said it has stopped producing the commemorative bottles and promotional materials with the image of Yao and two others from the Chinese basketball team since June 3.

The company said it stopped sending the products to its direct clients, such as distributors and supermarkets, after July 4.

Since Coca-Cola is a sponsor of the Chinese national team, it didn't ask for Yao's permission before using his image and name on its products, the announcement said.

"The mediation means the dispute between Yao and our company is over," said Guo Yanhong, a Coca-Cola official. "We will still support the development of Chinese basketball industry."

Yao's management agency, BDA Sports Management, could not be reached for comment.

Court officials said Friday that they hadn't received an application from Yao to withdraw the lawsuit. However, the plaintiff still had time to apply for a withdrawal ahead of the hearing on Monday morning.

(eastday.com October 18, 2003)