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SCMP Sport

Chinese WNBA player Han Xu scored a second consecutive double-double as China beat Italy 71-51 to secure second place in their group at the Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup.
China’s 7ft 3in (2.33m) teenage sensation Zhang Ziyu scored eight points with perfect shooting from the field as her team established an 18-point lead at one point, while New York Liberty centre Han led the team with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Han had powered China to the comeback win against the Czech Republic the previous day, with 22 points ‌and 14 rebounds to get their campaign back on track.
Against the Italians, Yang Shuyu added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists in a team-high 33 minutes, while Wang Siyu contributed five points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
China, who lost to group winners the United States in their opening Group D match, will face Puerto Rico in a play-off for second- and third-placed teams on Wednesday. The winners will advance to meet France in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

After running the US close the night before, Italy struggled to find the same energy levels in their defeat to China in front of a raucous crowd at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.
Matilde Villa led Italy with 15 points and acknowledged the game against the US on Sunday took a toll.
“We spent a lot of energy, mentally and physically, and I think we felt it,” Villa said. “But yes, we didn’t approach the game in the right way, and this has to be a lesson for us. Now we will take a day off, recover, and then we will think about the next game.”
Italy, back in the tournament after a 32-year wait, next face Australia on Wednesday for a place in the quarter-finals, where the winner will meet Spain.
The US bounced back from their scare the night before with a 105-64 rout of the Czechs.
Breanna Stewart had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists to help the Americans win their 33rd match in a row in the tournament.
The four-time defending champions now have two days off but await the winner of Tuesday’s Hungary v Japan tie.
The other qualifier for the quarter-finals match sees Germany take on South Korea on Wednesday, with the winner then facing Belgium on Thursday.


Women’s Basketball World Cup: China reach last 8, but fans worry over squad depth, fatigue

Women’s Basketball World Cup: Han Xu stars again as China seal second spot in group

Zhang Ziyu, China’s towering teenage basketball World Cup sensation, ‘just a little girl’

China get Fiba Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign back on track as Italy give US a scare

Fiba (International Basketball Federation)

China’s Han Xu takes on the Italian defence in their World Cup Group D win in Berlin, Germany, on Monday. Photo: AP

China’s Yang Shuyu (left), who scored 15 points, passes to Han Xu. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Zhang Ziyu stands out in women’s basketball, as she does here against the Czech Republic, even in a sport where height matters. Photo: AP 

US superstar Caitlin Clark says Zhang Ziyu is “still growing and learning”. Photo: AP

US player Kiki Iriafen blocks Zhang Ziyu during the Americans’ win on Friday. Photo: AP

Czech shooting guard Veronika Vorackova (right) tries to block China’s Han Xu during their Women’s Basketball World Cup match in Berlin on Sunday. Photo: AP

Zhang Ziyu had a tougher time in her second match of the tournament. Photo: AP

Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini (centre) guards the US’ Caitlin Clark in a tight contest. Photo: AP

Sport

Basketball

China

WNBA centre scores second double-double in two days as teen sensation Zhang Ziyu chips in to set up quarter-final qualifier with Puerto Rico


WNBA centre scores second double-double in two days as teen sensation Zhang Ziyu chips in to set up quarter-final qualifier with Puerto Rico.


WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association)

Zhang Ziyu

Women’s Basketball World Cup: Han Xu stars again as China seal second spot in group

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}WNBA centre scores second double-double in two days as teen sensation Zhang Ziyu chips in to set up quarter-final qualifier with Puerto Rico

WNBA centre scores second double-double in two days as teen sensation Zhang Ziyu chips in to set up quarter-final qualifier with Puerto Rico