China realized on opening day its title retention drive is going to be anything but trouble-free.
Veteran Kim Joo-Sung scattered 15 points to lead Korea, which banked on a big finish in a stunning 63-59 conquest of the defending champions in Group C action. Yi Jianlian finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds for China.
The Koreans face 2009 titlist Iran Friday, with the latter fresh from a 115-25 shellacking of Malaysia. NBA veteran Hamed Hadadi flexed his muscles early, banging in 21 points in only 13 minutes of action as Iran coach Mehmed Becirovic opted to preserve his big guns for the tougher battles ahead.
Chinese-Taipei shared the early Group A lead with Gilas Pilipinas, tripping Jordan, 91-87, in a game marked by 15 deadlocks and 12 lead changes.
Qatar played catch up basketball for most of the game before edging Japan, 75-74, in the lone Group B match.
Kazakhstan and Bahrain won their opening assignments to show the way in Group D.
Anton Ponomarev had 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead Kazakhstan over Thailand, 81-67, while Bahrain outlasted India in overtime, 82-80. (JL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.