The Chinese lottery player who won the highest sports lottery, 82.34 million yuan ($11.76), in China's lottery history collected his prize on Sunday under police guard.

The Chinese lottery player who won the highest sports lottery, 82.34 million yuan ($11.76), in China's lottery history collected his prize on Sunday under police guard.

The Chinese lottery player who won the highest sports lottery, 82.34 million yuan (11.76 million US dollars), in China's lottery history collected his prize on Sunday under police guard.

On Sunday morning, the lotterywinner, who calls himself Lao Yang, arrived alone at the lottery center in Chongqing, the country's largest municipality" title="n.自治市；市政当局">municipality, disguised in a mask, wig, hat and sunglasses.

The lottery center took additional measures to ensure his security. Staff members opened a secret passage for him and contacted the bank, the police and the municipal notaries immediately after his arrival. Security guards also restricted access to the lottery center, the Chongqing Evening News reports.

The center staged a small ceremony for Lao Yang after verifying the authenticity of his ticket and filling out the paperwork. The whole process was supervised by the municipal notaries and policemen. The lottery center staff later showed reporters the valuable lottery ticket.

After taxes, Lao Yang received 65.936 million yuan, or 9.42 million US dollars, in cash. For safety purposes, Lao Yang also asked for a police escort to deposit the money at his bank.

Lao Yang exercised caution while answering reporters' questions. He said that his wife still has no idea that he won the lottery, and even he can't believe his luck. He says he plans to invest the money in his business.(2008-05-05)