Asian Games 2023: China beat Japan to wins the women's basketball gold after thrilling final
hina’s women’s basketball team staved off a spirited fi ghtback from Japan to retain their Asian Games title yesterday, as a silver medallist became the latest athlete to fail a doping test.
The Chinese men crashed out in the semifi nals with a last-gasp defeat to the Philippines 24 hours earlier, breaking the hearts of the basketball-obsessed home nation. But the women made up for it, taking an early lead and then just about keeping the Olympic runners-up at bay for a thrilling 74-72 win at a pulsating Hangzhou Olympic Centre Gymnasium.
Wang Siyu sank the game-winning basket with seconds remaining, sparking wild
celebrations among the fl ag-waving crowd. China coach Zheng Wei warned her team they will have to be better at next summer’s Paris Olympics. “We still have a lot of room for improvement and many problems to solve,” she said.
China fi elded 6ft 8in (2.03m) Han Xu and 6ft 7in Li Yueru, giving them a huge height advantage over their opponents. Han, who has been compared to eight-time NBA AllStar Yao Ming, scored 10 points while Li bagged 13. Both were outscored by teammate Li Meng, with 17.
Japan, looking to win Asian Games gold for the fi rst time since 1998, chipped away at China’s lead until they drew level with just under three minutes remaining. A huge three-pointer from Li Yuan eased China back in front before Wang settled it with a lay-up on the fi nal attack. In the battle for bronze, South Korea cut neighbours North Korea and their giant centre Pak Ji Na – who stands 6ft 9in – down to size to win 93-63.
China added to their medal haul – now standing at 179 golds – early in the day when He Jie fulfi lled a dream by winning the men’s marathon in 2hr 13min 2sec
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