体坛英语新闻：Howard breaks NBA All-Star voting record

BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- "When I first heard about leading the votes, I was shocked, to be honest with you. I really didn't expect it, considering you've got Kobe, LeBron and Dwyane Wade, " said Dwight Howard Friday.

    He collared 3.15 million ballots, ranking No. 1 in NBA All-Star Game voting, far exceeding Houston Rockets' Yao Ming previous record of 2.56 million in 2005.

    "Wow, what a blessing! That is what I took it as, a blessing from God and then the fans. It's just a great honor and I was surprised, but like always I thank the fans for everything they have done for us," he added.

    Dressing in a Superman cape to gain a resounding victory in the Slam Dunk Contest, Howard stole the spotlight in New Orleans. He'll target to defend this title in Phoenix, the night before the All-Star showcase.

    The top five vote-getters gain the highest totals than ever before, namely, forward LeBron James (2,940,823) of the Cleveland Cavaliers, guards Kobe Bryant (2,805,397) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwyane Wade (2,741,413) of the Miami Heat and forward Tim Duncan (2,578,168) of the San Antonio Spurs. At center, Yao Ming got 2,532,958 votes and he will start for the sixth time.

    Vote-getter Top 10 for NBA All-Star Game:

    1. Dwight Howard , 3150181 ballots, in 2009

    2. LeBron James, 2940823 ballots, in 2009

    3. Kobe Bryant, 2805397 ballots, in 2009

    4. Dwyane Wade, 2741413 ballots, in 2009

    5. Tim Duncan, 2578168 ballots, in 2009

    6. Yao Ming, 2558278 ballots, in 2005

    7. Yao Ming, 2532958 ballots, in 2009

    8. LeBron James, 2516049 ballots, in 2007

    9. Yao Ming, 2451718 ballots, in 2007

    10. Michael Jordan, 2451136 ballots, in 1977