Shanghai Sharks here for exhibition

MANILA, Philippines - The Shanghai Sharks arrived last night for the Philippines-China Friendship Games featuring a couple of exhibition games with Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2 and a PBA selection on May 6 and 7.

Yao Ming, the former NBA star who owns the ballclub, will join the visiting Sharks at 7:30 tonight and though he may not play in the exhibition matches due to injuries, he is expected to conduct a series of clinics for streetkids.

“There’s a chance he’ll do that because he’s really excited to teach,” said Richie Garcia, chairman of the organizing Philippine Sports Commission.

The Sharks will play Gilas on Monday at the MOA Arena and then the PBA selection the next day at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Yao, who played nine seasons with the Houston Rockets in the NBA, is also set to hold a press conference at Solaire Resort and Casino tomorrow morning and will make a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay later at the nearby Coconut Palace.

Dusit Thani Manila is the visiting Sharks and Yao’s official hotel.

“It is our privilege to be the official residence of the first-ever Phl-China Friendship Games,” said Dusit Thani PR and Events manager Danelle Ruth Palang. “For his visit, we have custom-made an 18-inch pair of bedroom slippers and bathrobe for Mr. Yao.”

Organizers have decided to slash ticket prices in half to make it more affordable to basketball fans. Tickets are now pegged at P1,250 for VIP seats, P625 for patron, P500 for lower box, P375 for upper box A, P250 for upper box B and P150 for general admission.