The Yunnan?Bulls have become the CBA's giants-killers after they toppled the visiting?Guangdong Southern Tigers 117-109 on Friday afternoon, following their victory over another powerhouse Shanghai in the previous round.

The hosts opened the game strong with a 6-0 run. But the reigning champions soon fought back to tie the score at eight all. The two teams then went head on head coming to half time one point apart.

The turning point came in the third quarter as Guangdong missed several shots to give Yunnan the lead.

Yunnan kept their advantage and wound the match up at 117-109 serving champion Guangdong with their third loss this season.

The CBA league takes a two-week break to make time for the Sino-South Korean All-Star Contest scheduled for Sunday and next Tuesday, and then the traditional Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival.

The league resumes competition on February.

(CRI English January 23, 2006)