Wang Lili, Wan Jiyuan, Zhang Zhiting and Huang Kun (L to R) of China celebrate during the awarding ceremony after winning the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on Jul 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
SINGAPORE, July 10 (Xinhua) -- China's national women's team won its first FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup title after defeating defending champion Australia 14-10 in the final here on Sunday.
China, who finished third in 2017 and was runner-up in 2018, made a breakthrough in the fifth edition of the tournament.
In the first Asia Cup since 2019, China overcame Thailand, Japan and Australia on Sunday to claim the title.
In a highly competitive final, Chinese newcomer Huang Kun stepped up first by converting a jumper and following with two 2-pointers.
Center Zhang Zhiting followed in Huang's footsteps by making consecutive plays under the basket through excellent connection with veteran guard Wang Lili, and China withstood late pressure to stand on top of the podium. Zhang scored six points to go along with 11 rebounds.
Wang was named MVP of the tournament.
China made the most of its advantage in the paint, scoring 10 unanswered points en route to a 21-11 quarterfinal victory over Thailand, with Zhang leading the way by contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds.
China was well on its way to the final when leading 16-8 against Japan. After Japan put on a late comeback to trim the deficit to five points, Wang hit a 2-pointer to steady the game and China advanced by 20-15.
Indonesia outscored Japan 21-17 to take the bronze medal.
On the men's side, China outplayed South Korea 21-13 to reach the final four, but fell to the eventual winner Australia 21-13 in the semifinals.
Australia achieved a three-peat at the Asian Cup by beating New Zealand 21-17 in the final.
China registered a nail-biting 20-18 victory over the Philippines to take the bronze again after doing so in 2019. ■
Players of China celebrate after winning the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Wang Lili (R) of China competes against Lauren Stacey Mansfield (C) of Australia during the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Lauren Scherf of Australia competes during the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Wan Jiyuan (L) of China competes during the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Zhang Zhiting (L) of China competes against Anneli Sara Maley of Australia during the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Players of China celebrate after winning the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Wang Lili, Wan Jiyuan, Zhang Zhiting and Huang Kun (L to R) of China celebrate during the awarding ceremony after winning the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup women's final between China and Australia held in Singapore on Jul 10, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
