Weibo hails Chinese teen basketball sensation Zhang Ziyu despite final loss to Australia
- China’s decision to withdraw Zhang, the tournament MVP, is queried on social media after Fiba Under-18 Women’s Asian Cup final
Chinese basketball fans have questioned the decision to withdraw their country’s new young star Zhang Ziyu during the loss to Australia in the Fiba Under-18 Women’s Asian Cup final.
Towering teenage centre Zhang scored a game-high 42 points to go with 14 rebounds but was helpless on the sidelines as China lost 96-79 to Australia in Shenzhen on Sunday.
Named the tournament MVP on her debut appearance for her country, Zhang, 17, was taken off by head coach Wang Guizhi with four minutes left as the Gems from Down Under again denied the 16-time champions, having done so in India two years ago.
Weibo users debated Wang’s decision, made with China trailing only 83-76, with many arguing Zhang was head and shoulders above her teammates in every sense at the Longhua Culture & Sports Centre.
Zhang is listed as 2.20 metres (7ft 3in) tall by Fiba, the sport’s world governing body, but some Chinese media have reported her height as 2.27 metres – putting her just short of the legendary 2.29-metre former NBA superstar Yao Ming.
“Zhang lost because there were nine against one on the court,” a comment from Malaysia said.
