GUANGZHOU, China: Defending champions China crushed North Korea 98-62 in Asiad basketball group play Wednesday, as the Philippines knocked off 2006 Doha Games silver medalist Qatar 90-68. Six Chinese players scored in double figures as the host team jumped out to a 17-6 lead midway through the first period and never looked back in the easy victory over their close East Asian neighbour. Former NBA Dallas Maverick centre Wang Zhizhi led the balanced Chinese attack with 14 points in just under 14 minutes of playing time, while Pak Un Chol top scored for the North Koreans with 19 points. China has started its Asian Games campaign with two easy wins in Group E, beating hapless Mongolia 91-46 on Tuesday night. Also in Group E Wednesday, Mongolia beat Uzbekistan 67-65. The Philippines was led by Joseph Casio's 22 points and five assists in the Group F win over Qatar, helping his team rebound from a Tuesday night loss to Iran. The swarming Filipino defense held the Qataris to 36 percent shooting on the night with the Qatar's perimeter players only able to hit three of their 17 three point shots. Qatar was led by Tarquy Ngombo with 18 points. – Agence France
