At the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Wednesday, China brought in seven-footer Yao Ming, and Japan's speed and skills were neutralised though not completely overshadowed. Between Ming and Li Dongliang, standing 201 cm in his socks, they saw to it that Japan would finish at least 10 points behind them at 91-81 and be relegated to second position in the Group I quarterfinal league grouping.

In the Group II quarterfinal league Qatar's Hashem Zaldan (208 cm tall) and Mustafa Mansood (199 cm) plucked rebounds off the boards to embarass Chinese Taipei who until today had given a very good account of themselves. Zaldan scored 24 points while Mansood had four three-pointers in his 20.

Philippines disappointed yet again, losing to Iranrather tamely 69-122 and the six-time champions will clash with Malaysia for seventh and eighth places.

Kazakhstan crushed Malaysia 104-80 (half time 49-48) in their last Group-I quarter final league and will now fight Iran for 5th-6th place. For the Kazakhs Sergey Vdovin scored 35 points.

Korea defeated India 122-69 (half time: 60-33) and will take on Hong Kong China for the 9th and 10th place contest. For India, Ranjeet Singh scored 30 points with 14 field baskets and 4 offensive rebounds while Robinson scored 20 with nine baskets, and four rebounds.

For Korea, Sun Kyu got four three pointers right in his 20 which included two steals, four assists and four baskets while Yang Dang In and Yu Sep scored seven field baskets for 17 points.

Kuwait squeaked past Pakistan 63-62 (half time 36-36). They take on India for the 11th-12th place in the championship. Pakistan lost all their classification group matches.

Both the teams were locked 36-36 at the half time but the Kuwait Hoopsters found the basketjust before the final hooter to seal the fate of the Pakistanis.