CBA: Demanding Ducks' coach seeks focused squad

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Beijing Ducks sustained their winning stretch by defeating Fujian 117-110 in the ninth round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season on Friday.

Beijing welcomed Fujian for only the second game at the Wukesong Stadium this season having been forced to play their home court openers at the Shougang arena due to scheduling conflicts with concerts at their more familiar base.

The venue has played host to heavy metal acts Iron Maiden and Metallica in the past, and the Duck's Greek coach was certainly doing his best to recreate the same concert noise by barking his orders. It was all worth it though, as the Ducks ran out winners by seven points.

Beijing Ducks coach Yannis Christopoulos /VCG Photo

After the match, Yannis Christopoulos sought to explain his style. “We are very demanding as a coaching staff, we asking to be dedicated and focused. That’s our job as coaching staff,” he said.

A record of six wins and three loses is a satisfactory start for the new-look Beijing team. There is still a long way to go and many more scores to be decided, but if the title comes back to Wukesong then this Greek's legend will only just be starting.