China beat South Korea to reach Women's Basketball Asia Cup semis

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China's Han Xu (#15) and her teammates acknowledge the crowd after their win over South Korea during the FIBA Women's Asia Cup match in Sydney, Australia, June 28, 2023. /CFP

China overcame South Korea with a tense 87-81 overtime victory on Wednesday to book a spot in the semifinals of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women's Basketball Asia Cup in Sydney.

China were pushed to the limit by an energetic South Korean team, who have claimed a record 12 titles, before recording their third straight win to top Group A.

The result also means that China have secured a berth to the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, as the top four ranked teams in the Asia Cup advance.

South Korea finished third in Pool A and will meet either Australia in the knockout stage on Friday.

China were superbly led by stars Han Xu, who scored 33 points and 11 rebounds, and Li Meng, with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

South Korea came out of the blocks spectacularly with their fast-paced style rattling a cold-shooting China.

South Korea surged to an 11-point lead early before China fought back to reduce the margin to 38-32 at halftime with Han keeping them afloat with 15 points and seven rebounds.

China rediscovered their rhythm after the long break with a Han bucket at the rim giving them the lead midway through the third quarter.

But South Korea responded with 10 straight points to regain the initiative before China again hit back in this nerve-jangling contest.

China appeared to be overrunning their tiring opponents with a 12-4 run to start the fourth quarter much to the delight of Chinese fans in the stands.

The South Korean players showed their tenacity with a bucket from Lee Kyung-eun sending the game into overtime before China finally outlasted their gallant opponents.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency