Taipei cagers clinch thriller

CALCUTTA, NOV 7: Chinese Taipei ensured that they entered the quarterfinal in the three-team Group D when they squeaked past Korea by a solitary point at 96-95. Chinese Taipei, who rely more on a tight defence to check their opponents, snatched the match from Korea who had led from the start, in a pulsating finish. They have already beaten Kazhakstan, the other team in the group.

At half time Korea led 53-49 and maintained it till Chinese Taipei levelled at 73. Chinese Taipei forced the pace and the lead changed frequently before they caught up at 93. With 12 seconds to go, Korea committed a foul and Chinese Taipei got one throw right and utilised ball possession for a field basket with the Koreans hot on their heels. With five seconds to go, the Koreans got two throws but failed to convert them and Taipei were through to the next stage.

Chang-Chi Feng top scored for the Taipei team with 22 points.