Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: China shines in early basketball, football, volleyball action

China advanced to the men's basketball semifinals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, after holding off Saudi Arabia 87-78 on Wednesday.

The Chinese side triumphed despite key forwards Zhu Junlong, Zhao Jiayi and Li Hongquan all being sidelined by injuries. Coach Guo Shiqiang's men took a 48-39 lead into halftime, but the Saudis battled back to tie the score at 62-62 at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth period was tight as well, until Hu Jinqiu sank two free throws to give the PRC an 83-75 lead with 2:04 remaining. Mohammad Alsuwailem followed with a free throw and layup to cut the deficit to 83-78 with 1:29 left, but back-to-back buckets from Cui Yongxi and Liao Sanning sealed China's victory.

Liao, who poured in a game-high 30 points, led four Chinese players in double digits, with Yu Jiahao adding 16 points and nine rebounds. Muhammad Abdurrahkman paced Saudi Arabia with 25 points.

Friday's semifinals will see China go up against Japan, while the Republic of Korea takes on Iran.

In men's football, Wu Xi and Zhang Yuning set up goals for each other as China came from behind to edge the DPRK 2-1, opening the action in Group B.

China fielded a team built around the side that finished as runner-up at this year's AFC U23 Asian Cup, with overage veterans Zhang, Wu and Zhu Chenjie adding an experienced backbone. Wu made his first appearance for any Chinese national side in two years and eight months.

The DPRK took the initiative from the outset, while China looked for opportunities to counterattack. Choe Kuk broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a calm finish inside the penalty area.

The Chinese side drew level in the 44th minute, as Zhang rose highest to head home Wu's pass from the left.

Both sides continued to create chances after halftime, before China took the lead in the 68th minute. Zhang's headed layoff on the edge of the penalty area found Wu, who timed his run with precision to expertly lob the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

The DPRK stepped up its attacks in search of an equalizer, while coach Antonio Puche made several substitutions to shore up the Chinese defense, before goalkeeper Li Hao produced a crucial save in the 90th minute to preserve the lead. China will face Iran in its next group match on Sunday.

In women's volleyball, China defeated the Philippines 3-0 for its first victory in Pool B. Tang Xin scored a match-high 19 points, while Zhuang Yushan added 17 and Wang Aoqian contributed 13, as the PRC prevailed 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 in just 72 minutes. China will meet Kazakhstan in its second contest in pool play on Friday.