Class shows as US shake off inspired hosts

THE United States beat China 101-70 in one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Olympic Games last night.

US President George Bush was among the spectators as the Chinese took a surprise lead thanks to 7ft 6in Yao Ming, who plays for Houston Rockets.

The American class showed in the end, with Dwayne Wade scoring 19 points.

To the great excitement of the crowd, the Chinese stayed with their illustrious opponents until well into the third quarter, as the Americans missed a string of chances and limped to a 49-37 half-time lead.

However, with LeBron James scoring 18 points and Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard both contributing 13, the Americans eased clear of a tiring Chinese team.

More than a billion people were estimated to have seen the game on television.