Houston Rockets basketball player, Yao Ming, is likely to pay a fine of US$27,500 for his absence from the team's upcoming pre-season training sessions. At the time, he will take part in the opening ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai.

The "small giant" will miss the first two training sessions, plus the team's Media Day, according to a report on website, sina.com.

Team rules stipulate the player will have to foot a bill of US$2,500 for defaulting in the first training and pay double for the second consecutive default. Absence from the media day will cost him US$20,000.

Yao is the image ambassador of the Shanghai Games, where more than 17,000 athletes from more than 170 countries and regions will compete from October 2-11.

It's the first time that the world's biggest sports meeting for disabled groups has been held in Asia, and the second time outside the U.S.

Yao is due to arrive at the Rockets' training camp on October 4, in time for the third training session.

In the meantime, the club has sent a group to Shanghai to help the 7-foot-6 player keep on track with his team-mates in Houston.

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said on Thursday the fine is unavoidable, although the club understands how important it is for Yao to take part in the Shanghai event. He also praised Yao for his enduring diligence regarding training.

(CRI.cn September 21, 2007)