ATHENS, GREECE - Yao Ming hasn't said a public word since the night he went off. Nothing more has needed to be said. Each loss has spoken clearly for itself.

The latest was Italy's 89-52 rout of China on Saturday. With an 83-58 whipping by Spain and an 82-57 loss to Argentina, China has been blown out in three of its four games and must beat reigning world champion Serbia-Montenegro on Monday to reach the medal round.

Failing that, Yao will have to face his pledge not to shave for six months if China does not advance.
HoustonChronicle.com - Italy shuts down Yao, China