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January 16, 2012

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Yao manager dismisses maths exam failure rumors as tall tales

YAO Ming's management team has denied rumors that the rookie Shanghai Jiao Tong University student failed his final exam in advanced mathematics.

Claims circulating online said the former All-Star player with the United States National Basketball Association failed the maths exam - scoring 38 out of 100.

But Zhang Mingji, director of Team Yao, said over the weekend that Yao had passed the exam, achieving a satisfactory result.

However, he did not disclose Yao's actual score.

"Yao had three courses this year, advanced mathematics, English and history, and did not fail the maths," Zhang told reporters. "This has been verified by the college."

"However, Yao believes his exam marks are a private matter and does not want to disclose them," said Zhang.

"But it was definitely not 38," he added.

The 2.27-meter celebrity seemed to understand the public's curiosity over his first college grade, comparing it with his debut in NBA.

"Do you still remember the first game I played in NBA? I wasn't good in the game, which also caused a lot of discussion in the media," Yao commented.

"Isn't it the same situation now? I don't have to clarify. It's my own thing. I haven't been in a classroom for a long time and it's normal for people to think I have trouble studying."

Although Yao did not reveal his grade, he admitted his weakness in maths.

"Most of the subjects are OK, but advanced mathematics did trouble me a lot," Yao said.

"It requires strong logic and systematical knowledge and it's hard to pick up if you lack a background in the subject."

"Advanced mathematics for me is the most difficult subject in the moment," Yao added. "But I believe I'll make progress every day through my efforts and those of my teachers."

Zhang, who has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago, said Yao is a dedicated student and often asks him questions about linear algebra.

"Although his knowledge base was not very strong, Yao's very smart and has never been lazy," Zhang said.


 

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