Wu Qian named MVP as South beats North to win CBA All-Star Game

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Chinese basketball rising star Wu Qian scored a game-high 23 points and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy as he spearheaded the South to defeat the North 123-109 at the 2021 CBA All-Star Game in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province on Sunday during the event's 25th anniversary.

Game Recap:

Center Zhou Qi opened the game with a dunk and Hu Mingxuan from the South answered with a three-pointer. The North grabbed a 26-20 lead when the first quarter ran out, as Zhao Jiwei contributed eight points.

With Hu scoring seven points in the following quarter, the South tied the game, but then trailed by four points at halftime.

Known for his three-pointers, Wu took center stage in the third quarter, as he buried all five three-pointers and earned 17 points, helping the South surpass the North by three points before the last period.

Hu Mingxuan (L) celebrates with teammates during the CBA All-Star Game in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

After Hu made a layup, the South established a 10-point advantage with one minute remaining. Their strong defense secured the victory.

Besides Wu's big contribution, Wang Zhelin scored 20 points and got seven rebounds for the South, while Hu added 14 points.

For the North, Zhao grabbed a team-high of 20 points, Zhou pocketed 14 points, and Yu Changdong and Guo Ailun earned 13 points each.

The Slam Dunk Contest:

During the interval, Hu beat the defending champion Chen Linjian to clinch the Three-Point Shooting Contest title, and Wu Yongsheng defeated Feng Xin to win the Skill Challenge Contest.

Zhang Zhenlin makes a slam dunk during the Slam Dunk Contest final round at the 2021 CBA All-Star Game in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

Zhang Zhenlin celebrates following his Slam Dunk Contest performance in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

Zhang Zhenlin takes home the trophy for the 2021 CBA All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest, Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

Hu Mingxuan (R) shoots during the 2021 CBA All-Star Game Three-Point Shooting Contest in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

Hu Mingxuan (L) celebrates with Zhu Fangyu, general manager of the Guangdong Southern Tigers during the Three-Point Shooting Contest, Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

China's mixed martial artist star Li Jingliang (R) interacts with basketball player Shirelijan Muxtar (L) during the 2021 CBA All-Star Game in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

A special ceremony dedicated to pay tribute to basketball players and coaches who have made significant contributions to Chinese basketball and the league during the 2021 CBA All-Star Game in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP

Players compete during the 2021 CBA All-Star Game in Qingdao, China, March 22, 2021. /CFP

Veteran players such as Stephon Marbury and Zhu Fangyu participate during the 2021 CBA All-Star Game, Qingdao, China, March 22, 2021. /CFP

As the 2021 CBA All-Star Game celebrated its 25th anniversary, the Slam Dunk Contest judging panel featured a star-studded field including current coach of China men's national basketball team Gong Luming, former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury and legendary Chinese basketball three-point shooter Zhu Fangyu.

Rookie Zhang Zhenlin, who was crowned MVP at the Rookie Challenge a day earlier, stunned once again at the Slam Dunk Contest final round on Sunday as he edged grassroots player Chen Dengxing with two breathtaking dunks to take the title.

(With input from Xinhua news agency)

(Cover image: Wu Qian (L) celebrates during the 2021 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) All-Star Game in Qingdao, China, March 21, 2021. /CFP)

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