"It would not be a disappointment if I don't win because I am running against the best," he said.

While the Chinese basketball team is not expected to win the gold, Houston Rockets' star Yao's foot injury has saddened millions of Chinese, including Liu.

"We are good friends and we are both from Shanghai and I feel very sorry for him that he got injured just before the games," he said.

"I hope it will not impact on his Olympics. I send my best wishes for a quick recovery."

(Shanghai Daily via Agencies March 8, 2008)