BERLIN, Germany: Zhang Ziyu’s World Cup debut gave China a new interior presence Friday as the 7-foot-3 centre played 18 minutes against the United States in Berlin.
US forward Aliyah Boston held Zhang scoreless in the opening quarter before Kiki Iriafen also took defensive assignments against the Chinese centre. The Americans focused on preventing Zhang from receiving the ball near the basket.
US coach Kara Lawson said Zhang became particularly difficult to defend when she established close-range position. Lawson also praised the young centre’s free-throw efficiency and potential for development against elite international competition.
POV: You're Aliyah Boston trying to defend 7'4" / 223 cm Ziyu Zhang 😅#FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/6ABoeC1ICu
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 4, 2026Zhang stands 7 feet 3 inches tall, making her taller than Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and one inch shorter than NBA star Victor Wembanyama.
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China also fielded 6-foot-10 centre Han Xu, who scored 11 points and made a three-pointer. WNBA center Li Yueru missed the tournament after saying her passport had been lost in the mail.
China’s coaching staff has designed an individual warm-up programme for Zhang given her size and the physical demands of the sport. She also missed China’s pre-tournament warm-up against France.
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Zhang made her senior international debut at last year’s Women’s Asia Cup, where she averaged 14.8 points and 5.5 rebounds as China won bronze. China next plays the Czech Republic on Sunday.
