In the CBA, Beijing Ducks visited Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the opener for both squads. The two powers had become familiar with each other in recent years, thanks to several playoff meetings, and Sunday night another big clash was expected at the Hongshan Arena in Urumqi.

Xinjiang took a 6-point lead early in the first quarter. Stephon Marbury would try to cut into that, but misses the free-throw, but eventually gets the putback off the rebound as the lead is cut to 4.

But Xinjiang would be able to extend their lead, Andray Blatche would nail this jumper off the inbounds -- and the lead is 13, early in the second Q.

Jump to the 3rd, and a sloppy pass by Marbury is intercepted by Blatche. And the American-Filipino races all the way for the lay-up. Xinjiang now leads by 24. The former NBA-er would have a game-high 31 points, and hauled down 14 rebounds on the night.

Xinjiang center Zhou Qi would also help his team, hitting from the outside, to extend the lead to 26.

The visitors clawed back later, and opened the final frame trailing by 16. But the hosts would soon take control. Former Beijing player Li Gen adds two with the fall-away jumper. The Flying Tigers go on to 110-92 opening night victory.

In the other action Sunday, another traditional power Guangdong were shrashed by Shanxi 109-74. The 35-point deficit is the biggest loss for the eight-time champions. Runners-up last season Liaoning beat Tongxi by 15 points. Shandong topped Bayi. Guangsha triumphed at Fujian. Zhejiang were beaten at home by Shanghai, while Qingdao defeated Tianjin.