Country Garden founder Yeung, the tycoon who called himself ‘dumb’

Born into a peasant family in rural China, Yeung Kwok Keung's rags-to-riches tale inspired millions across the country until his Country Garden empire spiralled into crisis this year. On his home turf, Yeung and his company had many nicknames, among them "The most grassroots tycoon" and the "Universe's No.1 property developer". But in a rapid turn of events, a $15 million coupon payment deadline for the once-revered company expired on Tuesdaywithout word of payment, fuelling expectations that China's biggest private property developer has defaulted on its offshore debt.