China women’s basketball stars vow team ‘will be even better’ after first FIBA Asia Cup triumph in 12 years

Towering centre Han Xu thanks Chinese fans for ‘giving me courage to face difficulties and strength to fight harder’ after being named double MVP

Li Meng, who was named in team of the tournament, says China ‘still have long way to go, and will face more challenges’ but will ‘fight to the end’

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China’s Han Xu (right) and Li Meng embrace as they celebrate after defeating Japan in the Asia Cup women’s basketball final in Sydney, Australia. Photo: AP

Published: 10:39am, 3 Jul 2023Updated: 1:20pm, 3 Jul 2023

Towering centre Han Xu has promised China’s women’s basketball team “will be even better” after winning their first FIBA Asian Cup title in 12 years.

China defeated Japan 73-71 in Sunday’s epic final at Quaycentre in Sydney, sparking emotional scenes and celebrations from Zhang Wei’s side as they ended their opponents’ hopes of a sixth straight crown.

The 2.1-metre tall Han, who plays with the New York Liberty in the WNBA, was in typically dominant form, pouring in 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to complete the impressive feat of recording a double-double in every game of the tournament.

“Twelve years of hard work. Today we are back to the top of Asia,” the 23-year-old, who was named the MVP of the final and the tournament, wrote in a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

Han Xu of China goes for a lay-up during the final between China and Japan. Photo: Xinhua

“We have done it. The weight of the double MVP is very heavy, but it comes from the trust and help of every teammate, coach, and member of staff.