Chinese player Wang Siyu (R) in action during the match against DPR Korea in the semifinals of the women's basketball tournament at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on Oct. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
China's women's basketball team is one win away to retain their Asian Games title after overpowering DPR Korea in the semifinals.
HANGZHOU, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's women's basketball team are on the verge of defending their Asian Games title after thrashing DPR Korea 100-44 in the semifinals at the Hangzhou Asiad on Tuesday.
China will meet Japan in Thursday's final. Japan advanced into the gold medal match with an 81-58 victory over South Korea.
DPR Korean star center Pak Ji Na's absence from the game spoiled the expected contest in the paint. Chinese twin towers Han Xu and Li Yueru had a comfortable time, combining for 35 points and 17 rebounds.
With a significant height advantage, China out-rebounded DPR Korea 52-25 and led the blocks 10-0. Veteran shooter Jin Weina started in the game and clinched 17 points without missing a shot, and point guard Li Yuan added 13 points and dished out eight assists.
Jin said the team deployed well in detailed defense with a great attitude. "We will be more confident going into the final," she said.
Only seven DPR Korean players were in action, with Hong Ryo Na scoring a team-high 14 points and Ro Suk Yong adding 11.
Chinese player Li Meng competes in the match against DPR Korea. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
China head coach Zheng Wei said at the post-game press conference that her side played "too simply" in the first half.
"But after our adjustment at halftime, we had better third and fourth quarters with higher shooting percentage," she said.
Zheng, who steered China to FIBA World Cup runner-up last year, also expressed her confidence about the final game.
"The Chinese team have kept high-intensity training. We're prepared for all the foreseeable difficult situations that we may face in our last game here." ■