A CHINESE woman who registered the name of NBA star Yao Ming as an internet domain address is willing to give it up — for a price.
Identified only as Jin by the China Youth Daily newspaper, the woman said the price would be “a hug and an autograph” from the 7-foot-6 (2.28 meter) Houston Rockets star.
Yao, who could be out of action until February after fracturing a bone under his right knee, is China’s most popular and recognizable athlete.
Others have tried to take advantage of his name, triggering complaints from agents and fans. But this woman said she was trying to protect Yao, not harm him.
“I want to keep Yao’s name for being misused, just like everyone else,” she told the newspaper. “That’s why I registered his name ahead of those who want to take advantage.”
The name was registered with a mobile network served by China Internet Network Information Center.
A CNNIC official, cited by the newspaper, said the registration could be canceled if Yao could show he would suffer economic damage.
