Houston's Yao Ming was surprised to learn that the Spurs' Tim Duncan was on this year's All-Star ballot as a center rather than forward.

Voted to the Western Conference starting lineup each of his first four seasons, Yao said Duncan's placing on the ballot represented a new challenge.

"It is more challenge at the center position, huh?" Yao said. "However, a couple years ago, we had Shaquille O'Neal move to the East, so that made it easier."

Yao, who is from Shanghai, is tired of hearing that Internet voters in China are responsible for his having been voted to the starting lineup in his first four seasons in the league. If San Antonians are upset that he might get more votes this year than Duncan, he wants them to know he is not responsible for the voting system.

"After five years I'm already tired of talking about Internet vote," Yao said before Friday's game. "That rule was not set by me."

"First, I appreciate every fan that votes on me and if again I get a chance, I will enjoy the All-Star Game."