Bayi Rockets underscored their status as five-time defending champions by blasting Shanghai Sharks 116-94 in the first game of the best-of-five Finals in the 12-team Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league here on Sunday. National center Wang Zhizhi led the attack of the visitors with a game-high 37 points on 15-of-31 shooting. Power forward Liu Yudong was another winning factor as he went 12-of-21 to contribute 28 points.

Sharks, however, did not let the title holders feel comfortable all the way as they came out aggressively and led 29-28 after the first quarter.

That guard Liu Wei was injured minutes into the second quarter became the turning point for the home side, whose poor teamwork thereafter cost them dearly.

Paced by experienced guard A Dijiang, Rockets capitalized on the injury to pull away before they ended up 58-43 after the first half.

"In the first quarter my side has done what they were told before the game, but after Liu Wei was out with injury, our team began to fell into disorder," said Liu Qiuping, head coach of the Sharks.

"We also committed quite a few turnovers, and our shooting percentage was poor," Li added.

Inspired by the local crowds, Sharks tried to claw back into the game from the third quarter on but Rockets replied with a solid defense to hold off their fightback.

"We are familiar with their playing style. We can win as long as we are faultless in defense and their attack have been blunted by our defense," said Rockets' head coach Zhang Bin.

The 2.25-meter center Yao Ming scored 21 points and grabbed 17 rebounds but failed to save Sharks from the opening loss. Throughout the match Rockets had a 48-of-99 shooting percentage while Sharks went 38-of-90.