Quote Unquote: Collection of thoughts after the semifinals day of action

(Clock-wise from top left): Chen Wei-an (TPE), Barkha Sonkar (IND), Camille Claro (PHI), Yang Liwei (CHN), Saori Miyazaki (JPN), Yang Inyoung (KOR)

JINAN, China (2nd FIBA Asia U16 Championship for Women): Here’s a collection of quotes from players of various teams in Level I on Day 4 of the competition.

Yang Liwei (CHN) after the defeat to Korea in the semifinals

“We made too many mistakes. Nothing worked in the second quarter for us. Also we let them get away with that (the final move when Kim Sion scored the winning basket). Full credit to them. They played a lot better and tougher than anybody expected.”

Yang Inyoung (KOR) after beating China in the semifinals

“We showed we have the ability to pull ourselves when the situation demands. Our coach was very encouraging to us before the game. We were all very nervous, but I guess so were they. Our defense in the second quarter was superb. That’s what gave us the advantage.”

Chen Wei-an (TPE) on the bronze medal game against China

“Well, Korea and Japan have shown a way that China can be beaten. Now may be it’s our turn. I hope at least. But they are wounded and will come very hard at us. We are prepared.”

Saori Miyazaki (JPN) on her teammates’ performance in the semifinals

“I think Evelyn Mawuli and Ai Yamada were brilliant. They led us really well. They have given us the confidence for the final. We will surely give it our best.

“Korea beating China was surprising to all of us. We are now prepared even better.”

Barkha Sonkar (IND) after winning the Level I play-off against Hong Kong

“We came here with the target of a semifinals. We worked hard with commitment, but failed in that. But we have won the other two games. We are really happy about that. We all have learnt a lot from this experience.”

Camille Claro (PHI) on the team’s experience here

“We have learnt a lot especially in playing tough in defense. We lost all games, but that doesn’t matter since we are all very young. We are going back very rich in experience.”

FIBA Asia