BEIJING -?Chinese basketball fans reacted with disbelief and sadness over reports of Yao Ming's sudden retirement from basketball.

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Although the 2.25-meter (7-foot-6) Houston Rockets player has not formally announced his retirement, the NBA's official website reported the news.

Some Chinese fans, like 28-year-old Beijing security guard Liu Kan, say Yao's retirement would be a big loss to China since he is one of the country's biggest stars.

China's official Xinhua News Agency reports Yao is expected to hold a news conference on July 20 to announce his plans.

Yao, who turns 31 in September, has been plagued by leg and foot injuries in the latter part of his career. He missed 250 regular-season games over the past six seasons.