July 29, 2007	Sunday	Rajab 13, 1428

TOKUSHIMA (Japan), July 28: Jordan pulled off a stunning victory over four-time defending champions China 78-65 on the opening day of the Asian men's basketball championship on Saturday.

Rasheim Wright was the hero of his side, scoring 10 two-pointers and one three-pointer as well as eight free throws for a total of 31 points. Team-mate Zaid Alkhas also starred with 22 points.

The Chinese men, who have dominated the continent since 1975, winning 14 championships, hit the front 23-17 in the second quarter, but Jordan quickly fought back to lead 35-30 at half time before stretching the gap.

Sixteen countries are divided into four groups in the preliminary round and the top two from each group will advance to the second stage.

The tournament winners will qualify for the Beijing Olympics next year.

If Olympic hosts China win in Japan, then the second team will also qualify. And the two best finishers, other than China and the winner, will be eligible for the final Olympic qualifying round in July next year.

In other matches, Qatar defeated India 106-49 and Kazakhstan downed Indonesia 107-53 in Group C.

Two-time former champions South Korea outclassed Hong Kong 107-53 and Taiwan brushed aside Syria 90-66 in Group D.

Hosts Japan, seeking an Olympic berth for the first time since 1976, breezed past the UAE 109-66 and now face Lebanon on Sunday in Group B. Lebanon overwhelmed Quwait 104-59, and Iran crashed the Philippines 75-69 in Group A.—AFP