Houston Rockets' Yao looks up against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    HOUSTON, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Rockets center Yao Ming was forced to abandon the remainder of the season after a hairline fracture was found in his left foot Saturday evening.

    "Yao Ming had an initial test taken in the early morning hours on Saturday" following the game 3 between Rockets and Lakers Friday night, said Rockets team physician Tom Clanton in a press release late in the evening.

    "The original diagnosis of the left ankle sprain was based on the results of that test. Further diagnostic procedures performed later in the day revealed a hairline fracture on the top of his left foot," Dr. Clanton explained.

    "In order for the bone to heal properly, Yao will need to immobilize the foot by wearing a walking boot," Clanton said, adding that no surgery is required but will require an 8-to-12-week rehabilitation.

    That means the NBA star will be rule out of all the games left in the current season.

    Rockets is now 1-2 behind Lakers in the Western Conference semifinal series.

    This is the third consecutive year that Yao's season was interrupted or ended by a fracture of a bone.