China's Zhang Zhiting (#10) takes a shot against Germany in a women's Pool C game at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland, June 1, 2026. (Photos: VCG)
China's men's and women's teams both opened their FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaigns with one win and one loss on Monday, the opening day of competition at the event in Warsaw, Poland.
The Chinese women's team, consisting of Li Wenxia, Li Yuyan, Wang Lili and Zhang Zhiting, tipped off action in Pool C against reigning Olympic gold medalist Germany. China struggled to match the German side's physicality and fell 21-14 in its tournament opener.
China responded strongly in its second game against Italy. Back-to-back two-pointers from Li and Wang helped establish an early 5-1 advantage, before the team pulled away for a 21-12 victory, leveling its record in Pool C at 1-1. China will next face the Philippines and Latvia, continuing its push for a place in the knockout phase.
China's Wu Xingrui (#13) makes a move against Japan in a men's Pool C game at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland, June 1, 2026.
On the men's side, China also finished the day with a 1-1 record in Pool C. Guo Hanyu, Lu Pengcheng, Wu Xingrui and Zhang Dianliang opened their campaign with a convincing 22-14 win over Japan. Zhang starred with 11 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Chinese squad gradually take control after a closely-contested start.
The team's second matchup came against defending Olympic champion the Netherlands. The Dutchmen built an early lead and maintained control throughout the showdown, handing China a tough 22-10 defeat.
China's men's team will look to bounce back against New Zealand and Germany.