In a thrilling showdown on Saturday evening at the Fenghuangshan Sports Park Gymnasium in Chengdu, Team China emerged victorious in the women’s basketball final of the 31st FISU World University Games. The team secured the championship title by defeating Japan with a final score of 99-91, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 18,000 spectators.
Throughout the intense competition, both teams displayed remarkable skills and strategies. Japan demonstrated fast mobility and versatility, tightly holding onto the score until the fourth quarter. However, Team China’s strong presence inside the arc, along with their powerful centers Han Xu and Liu Yutong, tipped the scales in their favor.
Han Xu, standing at an impressive 2.08 meters and weighing 89 kilograms, contributed 18 points, while Liu Yutong, measuring 2.01 meters and weighing 110 kilograms, added 16 points to the team’s victory.
After the match, Japan’s center, Tanaka Ufuoma, who played against Liu, expressed her admiration for the Chinese players’ height advantage and skills. She enthusiastically praised Liu as a highly popular and skilled player, expressing her desire to face her on the court again in the future.
For Team China, Zhang Jingyi from Beijing Normal University stood out with an impressive 21 points, the highest contribution to the team’s triumph. She credited the victory to the collective efforts of the entire team.
The championship victory adds to the pride of Team China in the 31st FISU World University Games, showcasing their talent and determination on the international stage.
“During training and in our private interactions, my sisters and I get along very well. We are highly united, communicate effectively on the court, and work together for the same goal – it’s all very positive,” said Zhang.