China's towering duo set to challenge opponents at women's FIBA World Cup
China will debut 19-year-old 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu at the women's FIBA World Cup, joining 6-foot-10 Han Xu after a teammate's passport was lost.
China's women's basketball team begins its FIBA World Cup campaign in Berlin with a striking height advantage, fielding 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu, who stands at 7-foot-3, alongside 6-foot-10 veteran Han Xu of the New York Liberty. A planned third center, Li Yueru of the Dallas Wings, will miss the tournament after her passport was lost in transit. Zhang made her senior debut at the Women’s Asia Cup, averaging 14.8 points and 5.5 rebounds, and helped China secure a bronze medal.
Han praised Zhang’s readiness and said the World Cup will showcase her talent to a global audience. The United States, the four-time defending champion, will face China in the opening match, with guard Sonia Citron noting her team will prepare to defend against the towering Chinese frontcourt.
Why it matters
China's unprecedented height advantage could reshape matchups in the women's basketball World Cup.
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