China have secured their spot in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup after the Asian powerhouse held off Bahrain 80-67 in overtime for an 8-2 record in their group. 

Despite the absence of South East Melbourne Phoenix star Zhou Qi, the makeshift starting lineup concocted by coach Du Feng still had enough quality to overcome Bahrain who have lost to China three times in a row in just four months. 

Wang Zhelin, who notched up 23 points during China's crucial win over Iran in Tehran on Friday, continued his sensational form in Manama on Monday as the 28-year-old filled the void left by the injured Zhou with another game-high 27 points and 14 rebounds.

Two other Chinese players scored in double figures, with Zhou Peng adding 12 points and nine rebounds and Zhao Rui collecting 11 points and nine assists.  

Wayne Chism led the way for Bahrain with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Though his heroics drove the hosts to tie the game in the final minutes of regulation, Chism alone could not prevent China from controlling the tempo of the overtime session on their way to the victory. 

"I always feel proud and honored when I play in the national team jersey," beamed Wang, who will give Du a selection headache when Zhou is back in contention after recovering from injury. 

"No matter what difficulties or problems we encounter, they will not affect our determination to play for the national team," he added.

The sentiment was echoed by Du, who will reportedly be replaced with Serbian tactician Aleksandar Djordjevic in the coming days having taken charge of China for three years. 

"Since I started coaching this team at the end of 2019, I have experienced a lot of difficulties and setbacks," Du told a press briefing.  

"Whenever I felt extremely tired and thought I couldn't continue my work, it was the fans who like me and support me that kept me going. They are the ones who have pushed me to grow with this team."