US fans happy in Wang's world

Wang Zhi Zhi became the first Chinese national to play in the NBA last night, scoring six points in an eight-minute debut with the Dallas Mavericks, who beat the Atlanta Hawks 108-94.

Mavericks fans roared for the 7'1" centre in a reception which showed no hint of the chill in US-Chinese relations over a stranded US spy plane.

"Welcome to Wang's World", read one sign in the crowd. Dallas secured the 23-year-old's release from the Chinese army last week.

Wang said he was nervous but quickly warmed up: "It means that a Chinese player can play against the world's best. I will remember this game for the rest of my life."