Defending champions Guangdong Southern Tigers retrieved their indomitable spirit to beat Liaoning Hunters 98-91 on Wednesday in the final round of the 2006-07 Chinese Basketball Association regular season.

Guangdong is set to meet the Shanghai Sharks, who fell to Beijing Ducks 120-114, in the first round of the playoffs.

Fujian SBS are likely to overtake Shanghai, with the same 47 points but a game in hand, to be played against Jiangsu Dragons on Thursday, despite their loss to Shandong Lions 117-101 on Wednesday.

Bayi Rockets also won their final match against Xinjiang Flying Tigers 106-100 Jilin Northeast Tigers stole the No. 11 spot from Dongguan New Century after a 117-107 win over last-placed Yunnan Bulls.

Tying an 41 points, Jilin has the advantage on point differences since Dongguan lost to Jiangsu 134-127.

Shanxi Zhongyu concluded their first CBA season in their new home of Taiyuan, defeating Zhejiang Cyclones 123-104 at home.

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2007)