Chinese NBA star Yao Ming returned to his home in Shanghai on Wednesday evening.

According to Yao's agent Zhang Mingji, the 7-foot-6 center of the Houston Rockets has made significant progress in his recovery from foot surgery.

Zhang said that Yao will have a short rest at home before heading for Beijing to join the national training camp.

The player hoped to return to the national team as soon as possible, and play for China in the upcoming World Championships in August, added Zhang.

Yao broke his left foot on April 10 in Utah. He had surgery four days later, and doctors have ordered him not to play basketball until August 1.

(CRI June 22, 2006)