WHEN Yao Ming retired in July, the question on everyone’s lips was who would take on his mantle? Now Yi Jianlian, 23, has proven himself a qualified successor (继任者). At the 26th Asian basketball championship on September 25, his crucial free throw helped China beat Jordan 70-69 in a nail-biting (相持不下的) final. In that game, Yi finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds (篮板球) and five blocked shots. The victory also secured the country a place in London’s Olympic Games in 2012. “He brings a high level of intensity (激烈) to the game, as well as incredible skill,” China coach Bob Donewald said.