China Suffers Opening Loss at Diamond Ball TournamentCenter Wang Zhizhi collected 22 points but failed to save China from an 84-64 loss to Yugoslavia here Saturday in the opening match of the Diamond Ball 2000 men's basketball tournament.Forward Predrag Stojakovic, who plays for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, scored all of his 15 points in the first half as Yugoslavia raced to a 52-35 half-time lead against China. China tried to claw back into the game in the second half as 23-year-old Wang contributed 16 points but failed to match the world champion's class. Jiang Xingquan, head coach of the Chinese national side, valued the chance against world-class opponents before the Sydney Olympics, to open on September 15. "China has not been in such a major competition for four years. This tournament is an opportunity for us to warm up for the upcoming Olympics," said Jiang. "The Yugoslav were in a class of their own but we were better in both defense and attack in the second half," added the coach. In Saturday's other game, Italy fought back from a 42-43 half-time deficit to down Angola 77-61. Guard Carlton Myers led Italy with 20 points, including four-of-eight from behind the three-point line, while center Marcelo Damiao contributed 15. Angelo Victoriano and Edmar Victoriano each had 13 points for Angola. Six of the 12 teams who will play in the Sydney Olympics are taking part in the warmup tournament. Yugoslavia, Canada and China are grouped in Pool A while Australia, Italy and Angola are in Pool B. The winners of the two groups will clash Wednesday in the final. |
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