China’s 75-72 victory over Puerto Rico in Berlin on Wednesday secured a fourth consecutive Fiba Women’s World Cup quarter-final berth, sparking a wave of relief on domestic social media alongside growing fan anxiety over squad depth and fatigue ahead of a daunting clash against France.WNBA star Han Xu produced a dominant 21-point, 11-rebound double-double – her third in a row – to lead China through the qualifying play-in.Yang Shuyu scored 15 points, while 2.21-metre (7-foot-3) centre Zhang Ziyu added 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting.With the game tied at 66-66, Han sank a go-ahead three-pointer with 2:56 remaining. A minute later, Luo Xinyu hit another shot from deep to extend China’s lead to six points.Puerto Rico’s Arella Guirantes cut the deficit to 72-70 with 25 seconds left, but Yang sealed the victory by making two free throws eight seconds later.Yang Shuyu (right) sealed China’s victory with two free throws at the end. Photo: XinhuaTrinity San Antonio led Puerto Rico with 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Imani Stafford-McGee added 16 points as Puerto Rico’s tournament ended one round earlier than in 2022.
China women reach basketball World Cup last 8, but fans fret over depth, fatigue
Han Xu leads way again in win over Puerto Rico but now faces two New York Liberty teammates in tough French team – with only 19 hours of rest.














