BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. Zhang Jingyue bears China's flag at Gangwon 2024 opening ceremony
The fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games officially opened on January 19 with a grand opening ceremony in South Korea's eastern Gangwon Province.
The opening ceremony was held concurrently in the Gangneung Oval and the PyeongChang Dome under the theme "The Universe."
Ice hockey player Zhang Jingyue bore the flag for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony. The 16-year-old will represent China in the women's 3-on-3 tournament.
2. China held to two goalless draws at AFC Asian Cup
China was held to a goalless draw by Tajikistan in the team's AFC Asian Cup opener in Group A on January 13 night. China defender Zhu Chenjie headed home in the 80th minute through a corner, but the goal was disallowed by VAR due to offside.
Four days later, China tied 0-0 again, this time with Lebanon. Wu Lei had the best opportunity in the 65th minute but his close-range shot following Dai Weijun's cross was cleared before the goal line.
China takes on host Qatar in the last round of group stage on January 22, with its hopes of reaching the last 16 kept alive.
The six groups' winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout stage along with the best four third-placed teams.
3. Countdown starts for China's 14th National Winter Games in Inner Mongolia
The countdown has started for China's 14th National Winter Games, which will open in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on February 17.
The four-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for extensive upgrades to the venues and infrastructure, using the experience of the Beijing Winter Olympics as reference.
4. FIBA renews partnership with Chinese technology brand TCL
In a partnership renewal ceremony held in China's southern city of Guangzhou on January 18, the world basketball governing body FIBA renewed its global partnership with Chinese brand TCL for four more years.
The new partnership will cover over 2,000 events, including the 2024 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany and the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
5. Chinese star Zheng through to Australian Open third round for first time
Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen advanced to the third round at the Australian Open for the first time.
Zheng, the 12th seed and China's top-ranked singles player, beat England's Katie Boulter 6-3, 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes in their 2024 Australian Open second-round match at Melbourne Park on January 18.
The 21-year-old Zheng has advanced to the third round at the Australian Open for the first time in her career after losing second-round matches at the tournament in 2022 and 2023.■
