Michael O'neal Lewis II (L) of Qatar competes against Hu Mingxuan of China during the second round match between China and Qatar of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
DOHA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- China cruised to an 83-57 away victory over Qatar in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday, making a winning start to the second round.
China advanced to the second round after finishing the first round with a 3-3 record, entering Group F in the lower half of the six-team standings. The away game against Qatar was China's first of the second round and a crucial one in its bid to secure a place at the World Cup.
The two sides traded baskets and the lead changed hands several times early in the game. After two rounds of substitutions, China gradually took control and produced a 12-0 run late in the first quarter to open up a gap. China went into halftime with a 47-36 lead.
After the break, China continued to shoot at a higher percentage, with contributions coming from both inside and beyond the arc. The visitor remained firmly in control and steadily extended its advantage before sealing a commanding 83-57 victory.
Five Chinese players scored in double figures. Yang Hansen led the team with 15 points and nine rebounds. Hu Mingxuan added 12 points, while Liao Sanning and Zhao Jiayi scored 11 apiece. Hu Jinqiu chipped in 10 points.
China head coach Guo Shiqiang said after the game that the victory was important for the team.
Guo attributed the win to his players' strong execution and concentration, their efforts to contain Qatar's fast breaks, their control of the offensive and defensive boards, and their ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
China will host Lebanon on Aug. 31.
"Lebanon is also a strong team," Guo said. "We will prepare carefully for the game, including our strategies at both ends of the court. We will give it our all and try to play a good game." ■
Aladji Bobo Magassa (L) of Qatar defends Jiao Boqiao of China during the second round match between China and Qatar of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
Wang Junjie (L) of China competes during the second round match between China and Qatar of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
Players of China celebrate after winning the second round match between China and Qatar of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
Zhu Junlong (L) of China competes during the second round match between China and Qatar of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
Zhao Jiwei (L) of China breaks through past Moustafa Essam A A Fouda of Qatar during the second round match between China and Qatar of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
