BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Yao Ming had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead China regain advantage on 47-39 after three quarters against Germany.

    Both teams picked up their defence in the hard-fought third quarter, and it was China who hit the target first.

    China had eight unanswered points to start the period and led as many as by 10 points on 47-37 on Yi Jianlian's two free-throws with 28.5 seconds to go.

    Germany's Dirk Nowitzki had 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Christopher Kaman, who had four fouls, had 10 points and 10 rebounds.