Wang, who suffered the foot injury while rounding third base in an interleague game against the Houston Astros on June 15, had to delay his return to Taiwan for several weeks to rehabilitate the foot in the United States following the end of the baseball season.

Known as the "pride of Taiwan" for his stellar 19-win seasons in 2006 and 2007, Wang opened the 2008 season with an 8-2 record before being sidelined with a sprained Lisfranc ligament and torn tendon in his right foot.

Although the injury did not require surgery, Wang was restricted to a cast that was only removed on July 28.

'No regrets'

Speaking at yesterday's press conference in Taipei City, Wang said that he felt "no regrets" about suffering the injury, pointing out that "injuries are a part of an athlete's life."

Wang said the Yankees have arranged a special training program for him during his time in Taiwan to help strengthen his foot, with the program including cycling and weightlifting exercises, but no jogging.

Since being diagnosed as completely healed, Wang said, he has been throwing three times a week, including one session last month where he threw fifty pitches and "felt really good" afterwards.

The star Taiwan hurler said that the injury will not affect his pitching ability in the least, and he hoped to win 20 games next season and capture a Golden Glove Award.

Wang also said he hopes to be theYankees' opening day starter in 2009.

Asked whether he will pitch for Taiwan in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Wang said Yankees general manager Brian Cashman believed the pitcher will not be able to regain his top form in time for the international competition next March, and therefore did not want him to participate.