World News
China features tall frontcourt at women’s FIBA World Cup ahead of opener against U.S.
Nineteen-year-old Zhang Ziyu and veteran Han Xu headline China's roster in Berlin, while Li Yueru sits out due to a lost passport.
The short version
- China enters the women's FIBA World Cup in Berlin with exceptional frontcourt height, featuring 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu and 6-foot-10 Han Xu.
- China opens its tournament on Friday against the four-time defending champion United States.
- Center Li Yueru is unable to participate after her passport was lost in the mail.
- Zhang's game availability remains under observation after she missed a warmup game and had limited practice time.
Key facts
- China's FIBA World Cup roster includes 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu, who stands 7-foot-3, and 26-year-old WNBA veteran Han Xu, who measures 6-foot-10.[Associated Press]
- Dallas Wings center Li Yueru will miss the tournament because her passport was lost in the mail.[Associated Press]
- China is scheduled to open its tournament in Berlin against the United States on Friday.[Associated Press]
- Zhang previously averaged 14.8 points and 5.5 rebounds during her senior debut at the Women's Asia Cup.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The extent of Zhang's playing time against the U.S. is uncertain after she missed a warmup match against France and engaged in limited practice leading up to Friday.[Associated Press]