The training session eased the rumors from some local media that Liu would announce his retirement.

The training event lasted about 40 minutes before Liu fled.

As he made his way to a physical therapy session at the training facilities, Liu turned back to give a gesture of victory with a beaming smile.

"Liu's training went on very well today and the training amount is up to 80 to 90 percent of his tasks as before the injury. Liu has never thought of retirement and he is always confident," said Sun afterward. "Today's training is not a show.

"It is our wish that Liu could be recovered completely in time to compete in September and then take part in the National Games in October, but it is hard to predict the exact time," Sun said.

Slow recovery threatens to sideline Yao next season

Houston Rockets' all-star center Yao Ming's basketball career has been cast in doubt after reports revealed yesterday his injury is worsening, which may force him out of action for the next NBA season or possibly end his career.

Rockets team physician Tom Clanton told the Houston Chronicle that the Chinese superstar's broken left foot could be a "career-threatening" injury.

"Yao is not experiencing any pain in his left foot. However, the results from the CT and bone scans we performed over the past two days indicate that the hairline fracture has not responded to the degree that we expected," Clanton said.


(China Daily Photo)

"We will review a variety of treatment options before proceeding.

"At this point, the injury has the potential for him missing the next season and could be career-threatening."

No other Rockets official was available for comment last night.

Chinese fans were shocked at the news yesterday and some blamed Rockets' tactics in using the giant center.

Source: China Daily

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