Earlier, Japan took the third place in the 15th edition of championships with a 110-94 victory over Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan finished fifth with a 83-67 triumph over Iran while Philippines took the seventh slot defeating Malaysia 95-50.

The three top teams in the 15-team championship -- China, Qatar and Japan --have qualified for the sixth World junior men's championship to be held in Portugal from July 15 to 25 next year.

It was good strategy by Chinese coach Ma Lianbo to counter the height advantage of the powerful Qataris by restricting their entry into the `D'. This greatly reduced their effectiveness since their forte was outside shooting.

Japan's Fumio Murayama was adjudged the top scorer of the tournament with 34 three pointers, Yuta Tabuse (Japan)was the best playmaker while Yao Ming (China) was the Most Valuable Player. Ma Lianbo (china) was adjudged the best coach.

Team Positions: 1. China, 2. Qatar, 3, Japan, 4. Chinese Taipei, 5. Iran, 6. Kazakhstan, 7. The Philippines, 8.Malaysia, 9. Korea, 10. Hong Kong China, 11. India, 12. Kuwait, 13. Lebanon, 14. Pakistan, 15. Bangladesh.

India's performance in the Championships: 1970 Seoul: 5th; 1972 Manila: 4th; 1977: Kuwait: 15th; 1980 Bangkok: 12th; 1982 Manila : 10th; 1989 Manila: 12th; 1990 Nagoya, Japan 11th, 1995 Manila: 9th; 1996: Johar Bahru, Malaysia: 13th; 1998: Calcutta: 11th.