Talking Balls: Champs and Chumps

Beijing Guoan are playing their third game in the AFC Champions’ League tonight. Their opponents are Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma of Korea. Chances are that it will be as snowy an affair as their previous away game in Japan.

The CSL kicks off this weekend. Guoan start with a match against Nanchang Bayi on Saturday at 7.30pm. Apparently there will be an opening ceremony too.

Guoan have two home games in April. April 4 is the visit of Shenzhen Ruby and April 18 is Shaanxi Chanba. Tickets available at Workers' Stadium and 5905 9082.

New CSL Chief Wei Di has been thinking well outside the box. His latest brainwave is to enter the Chinese Under-21 national team into the CSL. Unsurprisingly all of the clubs rejected the proposal.

The CBA’s All-Star game took place last week at Wukesong. The North outscored the South 133-121. The MVP for the showcase was a certain Stephon Marbury. His 30 points included some monster threes and that can’t hurt his bid to sell sneakers. Watch a video here.