In Berlin, the Chinese women's basketball team secured a commanding 71‑51 victory over Italy, clinching second place in Group D of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
A Dominant Display on the Court
Han Xu spearheaded the effort with a second straight double‑double, posting 19 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, a performance that underscored her role as the team's primary offensive threat.
Zhang Ziyu contributed eight points on flawless shooting, helping the Chinese side build an 18‑point cushion early in the second half, while Yang Shuyu added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists over 33 minutes, and Wang Siyu rounded out the stat sheet with five points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
The earlier Group D opener against the United States had ended in a loss for China, a setback that made the subsequent win over Italy all the more vital as the team sought to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stage.
Wednesday's play‑off against Puerto Rico will determine whether China secures the second seed that earns a quarter‑final encounter with France on Thursday, a prospect that promises a stern test against the tournament's traditional powerhouses.