China crushes DPRK

GUANGZHOU - Defending champion China crushed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) 98-62 in Asiad basketball group play on Wednesday, as the Philippines knocked off 2006 Doha Games silver medalist Qatar 90-68.

Related readings:  Yao Ming urges China to 'go for it' at Asian Games  Chinese basketball team and coach handed fines but no suspensions  National team cannot afford to continue losing its cool  Yao Ming eager to be back on court

Six Chinese players scored in double figures as the host jumped out to a 17-6 lead midway through the first period and never looked back.

Former NBA Dallas Mavericks center 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 DPRK with 19 points.

"We shot when there was a chance to score, without having any special strategy," backup center Zhang Zhaoxu said. "We were also able to score inside as they are not tall."

China has started its Asian Games campaign with two easy wins in Group E, beating Mongolia 91-46 on Tuesday night. Also in Group E on Wednesday, Mongolia beat Uzbekistan 67-65.

Meanwhile, the Philippines were 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.

"We kept patient with the offense and shared the ball well, also we had some good luck," said Philippine forward Christopher Tiu, who scored 12 points and dished out four assists.

Agence France-Presse