CHN – Yao: `I think that through our courage, we walked this far but..."

BEIJING (Olympics) - Yao Ming spoke of his disappointment that China lost to Lithuania and missed out on the semi-finals at the Beijing Games but also expressed his belief that the national team had played better basketball than ever before.

Yao, who had 19 points and seven rebounds in the 94-68 quarter-final setback: “We have finished our journey for the Olympics.

“I am glad, although I have regrets. Lithuania pressured us into making missing a lot of shots. Lithuania played very well. We didn't play well.

“It's unfortunate that we didn't make it to the semi-finals. We had not made it that far and reached the aim of breaking China record.”

No games in the knockout round are ever easy and China certainly did not expect one against Lithuania, a country that has now reached the last four for five consecutive Olympics.

"We were determined to fight,” Yao said. “I think that through our courage, we walked this far but we were limited by our capabilities.

When asked if he would play at the 2012 Olympics in London, the 7ft 6in giant answered as if he was surprised by the question.

“Am I that old?” he said. “The next Olympics is four years from now.”

China will now have to move forward with a new coach. Lithuanian boss Jonas Kazlauskas served as an assistant China coach to Del Harris at the 2004 Olympics and then took over as head coach.

He has decided to return to Europe.

"Jonas stayed four years here and he experienced two Olympics,” Yao said.

“From today's performance, it showed that his efforts have paid off to a certain extent. His work and effort has paid off.

“We hope to see more coaches from Europe here. I hoped Jonas would reconsider but I understand he has been far from his family.”

Overall, Yao has had a positive experience in front of his home fans.

He was the flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony and did have some good moments in all of the games, including wins over Angola and Germany.

"I totally enjoyed the Olympic experience,” he said. “I have been able to compete with great players and teams.

"At least we have closed the gap a little bit, we have lifted our competence."

FIBA