Yao Ming´s Rockets beat Yi Jianlian´s Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks Yi Jianlian (L) of China and Houston Rockets' Yao Ming (R) battle for position in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game Nov. 9, 2007. The Rockets beat the Bucks 104-88. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

It was just a regular NBA games, but an estimated 200 million viewers tuned in to watch it. The reason - it was a match that pitted China's two basketball sensations, Yao Ming and Yi Jian Lian, against each other for the first time when Houston hosted the Bucks Friday night.

Yao Ming had 28 points and 10 rebounds to lift the Rockets past the Bucks, while Yi Jianlian had a career-high 19 points and nine rebounds.

The much anticipated match between the Houston Rockets and the Milwaukee Bucks tipped off on Friday night.

Early on, Yao Ming quickly found his form on defense, blocking Andrew Bogut twice.The giant then showed his talents in offence. His brilliant pass found Chuck Hayes for this easy layup. But, the all-star center had some embarrassing moments later in the quarter. He missed this uncontested dunk and also his first three shots.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming (L) and Milwaukee Bucks' Yi Jianlian, both from China, attend a press conference after their NBA basketball game in Houston, the United States, Nov. 9, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)