SURAT THANI, Thailand (20th FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women): Last edition’s silver medalists China outscored their rivals 11-3 in the second part of the first quarter, took charge of the game and went on to defeat Chinese Taipei 85-56 in the second semifinal on Tuesday.

China, thus, set up a repeat clash for the gold medal with defending champions Japan.

China also became the second team – after Japan – to book their ticket to Chile as a FIBA Asia representative at the 9th FIBA World U19 Championship for Women to be held in the South American country. The top three teams from this Championship will represent FIBA Asia in the U19 World Championship.

Taipei will take on Korea in the bronze medal game on Wednesday preceding the final, and the winners will take the third berth from FIBA Asia.

China sparred Taipei on equal terms in the initial phases of the game. But when Taipei threatened to open up a lead and went ahead 15-10, China hit back in kind and with customary panache.

Liang Jiamei fired in two three-pointers and Sun Mengran came up with a three-point play even as Yu Dong converted twice from the foul-line. And China had turned a deficit on its head and went into the first break with heads high.

The lead on the scoreboard and control in proceedings was one way – in China’s favor – after that.

Gao Song returned a game-high in scoring and rebounds – 22 point and 12 rebounds.

Li Meng had a 12-point game as all but one Chinese player scored.

Huang Hsiang-Ting was the highest scorer for Chinese Taipei with 10 points.

For Game Statistics and Detailed scores click here

FIBA Asia