"I still put my confidence in the team at that time as more veterans played in that final (at the Asian Games). Now all the promising young players are in the team, but they played to the same result here," he said.

    Asked whether he had tried to influence his teammates, Yao, whowas famed for his fighting spirit on the court, shook his head slightly.

    "They have their own thoughts, I can not influence anyone," Yaosaid before heading to the locker room. Enditem