Basketball enthusiasts from as far away as Australia and France descended on the famous tourist city of Guilin in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region last weekend for a tournament with a difference.

The players, all overseas Chinese, competed against each other and domestic players at the Fourth Beijing Basketball Game for Chinese of the World, which was initiated by the Beijing Sports Bureau in 2004 but moved to Guilin this year.

As part of the Chinese Amateur Basketball Open (CBO), more than 1,000 people of Chinese origin from 12 countries and regions joined the tournament.

"In terms of competitiveness and athleticism, the tournament is not as spectacular as some other big tournaments, not to mention the world championships. But I didn't expect so many teams and so many local fans to join the event," said Zhang Faqiang, vice chairman of Chinese Olympic Committee and president of China Basketball Association.

A record 68 teams took part in different age groups, including eight in the over 65's group.

"It's a sporting platform for all Chinese around the world of all ages. I was really amazed by their passion and energy at that age," said Zhang

"The tournament has also become an important part of the National Fitness and the Beijing Olympics campaign, which includes a large number of sports-related activities this year."

Yang Qiang, an Indonesian-Chinese who has participated in all four events and witnessed the growing popularity of the competition, said it was a great way to meet new people.

"By joining the tournament, I have made a lot of friends and also had the chance to know more of the rapid development of the motherland. Great changes are taking place every year, " said Yang.

"I hope I will come again next year."

Next year's tournament will return to host city Beijing and is expected to draw even more overseas Chinese basketball enthusiasts.

China's interest in basketball has soared in recent years, especially after Chinese superstar Yao Ming joined the NBA's Houston Rockets in 2002 and China won a record-equalling eighth place at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The influence of Chinese basketball keeps rising as another young sensation Yi Jianlian, is tipped to be a top five pick in the new season's draft later this month.

With the sport gaining popularity and expectations of the national basketball team at 2008 Olympics getting higher, various amateur events like the one in Guilin are joining the CBO - a year-long and nationwide tournament that encourages amateur participation.

(China Daily June 6, 2007)