In the just-concluded two matches of the first stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup,China secured consecutive victories over Japan and Chinese Taipei,regaining the initiative to advance.On July 3,China will play its fourth-round match against Japan in Shenyang.It is a crucial match for their qualification.

△China's player Zhao Jiwei(front)celebrated after the match on February 26.(Xinhua News Agency)

After suffering two straight losses to South Korea earlier in the first two matches of the qualifiers,China fell to the bottom of the group temporarily.However,after taking back-to-back wins against Japan and Chinese Taipei,China greatly improved the team's qualification situation.The final two group matches will be held in July.China will first take on Japan at the Liaoning Gymnasium and then face Chinese Taipei at home on July 6.

In the crucial qualifying matches in July,China's overseas-based players such as Yang Hansen,Wang Junjie and Lin Wei are likely to return,further strengthening the squad.In addition,head coach Guo Shiqiang and national team player Zhao Jiwei are very familiar with the Liaoning Gymnasium,which will benefit the team's performance.

Come to Shenyang in July to cheer for the Chinese men's basketball team!