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The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the
world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.
Yao made it official Wednesday, telling a news conference that a series of foot and leg injuries forced
him to end his playing career at the age of 30.
"I will formally end my career," said Yao, who became a household name in China before starting his
NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2002. Yao played eight seasons in the NBA.
"Today is an important day for me and holds a special meaning for both my basketball career and my
future," Yao said. "I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture(断裂) in my left foot for the
third time at the end of last year. My past six months were a painful wait. I have been thinking about my
future over and over. Today I am announcing a personal decision, ending my career as a basketball player and officially retire. But_one_door_is_closing_and_another_one_is_opening."
Yao said he would return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the
possibility of becoming general manager. He already owns the club and wants to contribute more.
"My playing career started with the club. I hope I can do something for it," Yao said.
He later appeared with his family on the stage to the applause and cheers of the crowd. He thanked
a lot of people-his family, former coaches, even players like Shaquille O'Neal-"for making me a better
player, I will be always with you. Thank you."
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was among those attending the farewell(告别)conference
Wednesday. Morey made the long trip from Houston. Morey said 20 hours on planes was tiring but "I
would be sorry if I wasn't here." "It's a big moment," Morey added. "Yao had a sense of humor, a great
attitude and sense of responsibility. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA."
Yao had played six years with the Chinese national team before joining the Rockets, and was already
a star in his home country. He carried the Olympic torch through Tian'anmen Square and his country's
flag during the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also donated $2 million and set
up a foundation to rebuild schools in the wake of the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.
1. Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?
A. Yao Ming: a household name
B. Chinese great Yao Ming retires from basketball
C. A farewell conference
D. Yao Ming's personal decision
2. What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 4 mean?
A. He has retired from playing basketball and his new career will begin.
B. He can't go to the US because of his retirement.
C. He is welcomed in his motherland.
D. He will return to work with the charity.
3. According to the passage, which of the following words can't be used to describe Yao Ming?
A. Talented.
B. Responsible.
C. Generous.
D. Cautious.
4. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The reason why Yao Ming retired is that he is too old.
B. Yao Ming played six years in America.
C. Yao Ming started his playing career in Houston.
D. Yao Ming was once an Olympic torchbearer.
