INQUIRER Sports

BUENOS AIRES -- Emanuel Ginobili said on Wednesday an ankle injury had put in jeopardy his appearance at the Beijing Olympics for the Argentinian men's basketball team which is defending its title.

San Antonio Spurs' Ginobili, speaking at a press conference in Buenos Aires, said: "The ankle injury is more serious than I thought. I will need three weeks of tests but I feel my participation in the Olympic Games is in danger."

However Ginobili, voted best replacement in the 2007-2008 NBA season, said there was still hope he could appear at the August 8 to 24 Games in China.

"I don't like thinking about the possibility of not being there," the player added. I'm optimistic and I want to play."